South Africa Outclass England, Eliminate Afghanistan, Seal Champions Trophy Semi-Final Spot

South Africa cruised into the Champions Trophy semifinals in dominant trend, defeating England by seven wickets to high Group B right here on Saturday. Opting to bat, England have been bundled out for 179 in 38.2 overs as South Africa’s bowlers delivered a disciplined efficiency. With the modest goal making certain their semifinal berth by the innings break, the Proteas comfortably chased it down in 29.1 overs to complete with 5 factors, two forward of Australia. They will now face the Group A runners-up within the semifinals, with India and New Zealand set to battle for Group A placings in Dubai on Sunday.

Rassie van der Dussen anchored the chase with a composed 72 not out off 86 balls (6×4, 3×6), whereas Heinrich Klaasen, getting back from damage, smashed a fluent 64 off 56 balls (11×4) in a 127 run stand.

England’s complete of 179 is the bottom complete by a workforce in a accomplished innings in Champions Trophy 2025. Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen began off with three wickets within the powerplay, sending again Phil Salt, Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. Jansen then contributed with two catches as effectively, and was adjudged the Player of the Match.

This was additionally Jos Buttler’s last recreation as England’s white-ball captain.

Spinner Keshav Maharaj took two wickets, ending with figures of two/35 in 10 overs. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder additionally confirmed off his prowess, taking three wickets to pin England right down to 179.

In the run chase, South Africa misplaced Tristan Stubbs for a duck. It was the primary time in his skilled profession that Stubbs opened the batting. Ryan Rickelton was dismissed after a very good begin (27), earlier than Klaasen and van der Dussen ensured South Africa cruised to victory.

Brief Scores: England 179; 38.3 overs (Joe Root 37; Marco Jansen 3/39, Wiaan Mulder 3/25, Keshav Maharaj 2/35) misplaced to South Africa 181/3; 29.1 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 72, Heinrich Klaasen 64) by seven wickets.