Srinagar March 01 (KNS): South Africa secured their spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals with a dominant victory over England, who ended the tournament without a win and on a seven-match losing streak. The match in Karachi exposed England’s struggles as they were bowled out for the lowest total of the tournament.

Opting to bat first, England displayed reckless strokeplay and failed to build partnerships. Marco Jansen dismantled their top order, taking three key wickets, while Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj wrapped up the innings efficiently. Despite battling illness and injuries, South Africa’s fielding was sharp, with excellent catches that further rattled England.

England’s troubles were evident early on when Phil Salt started aggressively but fell attempting one shot too many. Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett followed in similar fashion, leaving England reeling at 37 for 3. Joe Root and Harry Brook attempted to stabilize the innings with a 62-run stand, but South Africa’s fielding brilliance struck again—Jansen’s spectacular running catch dismissed Brook, and Root soon perished to Mulder.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Jos Buttler, playing his final match as England captain, received little support. Liam Livingstone’s poor form continued, while the lower order crumbled under sustained pressure. Stunning catches by Jansen and Maharaj helped South Africa bowl England out in the 39th over.

With their semi-final spot already confirmed due to net run rate, South Africa approached the chase confidently. Despite losing Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton early, Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with a 127-run stand. Klaasen struck his fifth consecutive half-century, while van der Dussen played a measured knock. David Miller sealed the win in style with a towering six.

South Africa have now reached the knockouts in three consecutive ICC tournaments. Their semi-final opponent will be determined by the result of the India vs. New Zealand match. They will face the losing team—either in Dubai (if India loses) or in Lahore (if New Zealand loses).(KNS)