England v South Africa
England won by 6 runs
Big teams in big tournament in a big match up; couldn't ask for a better setting for an England - South Africa clash. After a crushing, humiliating, hurting and nerve shattering defeat against Ireland, another defeat here could effectively mean the end of England's World Cup 2011 expedition.
And a victory here for South Africa could take them to the top of Group B table, which meant plenty to play for both teams.
England, after winning the toss put South Africa in the field, who after their successful experiment of Johan Botha with the first over against West Indies to nail Chris Gayle, experimented with left arm spinner Robin Peterson, only to remove English skipper Andrew Strauss and the hit man Kevin Petersen in the very first over of the innings. A dream start for the African cricketing giants as the English started miserable right from where they ended against Ireland. But Peterson was not done yet; he claimed Ian Bell cheaply as well and England were 15 for 3 in 4.4 overs. Then South Africa's very own Jonathan Trott partnered by Ravi Bopara stabilized the England innings with a handy 99 runs partnership before getting out for 52. Bopara, having replaced Paul Collingwood, was in good nick and went on to make 60 in 98 balls which provided English total some respectability as rest of the batters fell cheaply to Imran Tahir and Morne Morkel. Tahir, the find of the tournament for South Africa, especially demolished the tail quickly with his four-for to restrict England to a meager 171 runs.
England's total didn't at all seem threatening but on a tricky track providing plenty of assistance to spinners, South Africa needed to bat carefully in the 2nd innings also because funny things happen in cricket chasing smallish totals. South Africa started well with Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith to score 63 runs in 14 overs before the other Graeme in the match; Graeme Swann sent Graeme Smith back to the hut. This was the breakthrough England needed as Amla (42) was the next to go and Jacques Kallis (15) didn't last for much long either. England were inching back in the match with South Africa 82 for 3 but it was AB de Villiers run out followed by 3 quick wickets which provided meaningful control over the match to England. South Africa, as we all know can't help faltering under pressure seemed to have done it once more as the score read 127 for 7. The pace man Dale Steyn with wicketkeeper Morne van Wyk tried to pull their team out of trouble with a gritty 33 runs partnership at a crucial time in the match. But when Bresnan removed van Wyk, there was no stopping Stuart Broad who wrapped up the African nation's innings and handed over a narrow, thrilling 6 runs victory to his team. Broad led the England's remarkable bowling effort with 4 wickets.
It is probably unfair to say that South Africa choked once more because this could happen to any team on any given day but all credit must be given to England who stood firm in the face of adversity and this win shall definitely help regain the confidence lost against Ireland. Bopara, for his 60 brave runs was declared player of the match.
England won by 6 runs
Big teams in big tournament in a big match up; couldn't ask for a better setting for an England - South Africa clash. After a crushing, humiliating, hurting and nerve shattering defeat against Ireland, another defeat here could effectively mean the end of England's World Cup 2011 expedition.
And a victory here for South Africa could take them to the top of Group B table, which meant plenty to play for both teams.
England, after winning the toss put South Africa in the field, who after their successful experiment of Johan Botha with the first over against West Indies to nail Chris Gayle, experimented with left arm spinner Robin Peterson, only to remove English skipper Andrew Strauss and the hit man Kevin Petersen in the very first over of the innings. A dream start for the African cricketing giants as the English started miserable right from where they ended against Ireland. But Peterson was not done yet; he claimed Ian Bell cheaply as well and England were 15 for 3 in 4.4 overs. Then South Africa's very own Jonathan Trott partnered by Ravi Bopara stabilized the England innings with a handy 99 runs partnership before getting out for 52. Bopara, having replaced Paul Collingwood, was in good nick and went on to make 60 in 98 balls which provided English total some respectability as rest of the batters fell cheaply to Imran Tahir and Morne Morkel. Tahir, the find of the tournament for South Africa, especially demolished the tail quickly with his four-for to restrict England to a meager 171 runs.
England's total didn't at all seem threatening but on a tricky track providing plenty of assistance to spinners, South Africa needed to bat carefully in the 2nd innings also because funny things happen in cricket chasing smallish totals. South Africa started well with Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith to score 63 runs in 14 overs before the other Graeme in the match; Graeme Swann sent Graeme Smith back to the hut. This was the breakthrough England needed as Amla (42) was the next to go and Jacques Kallis (15) didn't last for much long either. England were inching back in the match with South Africa 82 for 3 but it was AB de Villiers run out followed by 3 quick wickets which provided meaningful control over the match to England. South Africa, as we all know can't help faltering under pressure seemed to have done it once more as the score read 127 for 7. The pace man Dale Steyn with wicketkeeper Morne van Wyk tried to pull their team out of trouble with a gritty 33 runs partnership at a crucial time in the match. But when Bresnan removed van Wyk, there was no stopping Stuart Broad who wrapped up the African nation's innings and handed over a narrow, thrilling 6 runs victory to his team. Broad led the England's remarkable bowling effort with 4 wickets.
It is probably unfair to say that South Africa choked once more because this could happen to any team on any given day but all credit must be given to England who stood firm in the face of adversity and this win shall definitely help regain the confidence lost against Ireland. Bopara, for his 60 brave runs was declared player of the match.
