England revived their madcap World Cup campaign with a dramatic six-run win over South Africa, raising new doubts over the Proteas’ ability to close out matches under pressure.
South Africa, set 172 for victory, were bowled out for just 165 as England won a cliff-hanger. From 124 for three, the Proteas collapsed to lose four wickets for three runs on a wearing pitch having been in control at the beginning with openers Graeme Smith (22) and Hashim Amla (42) enjoying an opening stand of 63. Off-spinner Graeme Swann had Smith caught behind after a review suggested the ball had brushed his glove before Amla chopped on to fast-bowler Stuart Broad.
The paceman gave England renewed hope when he had Jacques Kallis (15) edging to Prior.
Strauss hopes for revival
England captain Andrew Strauss felt the victory could kick-start his team’s World Cup campaign.
“There are plenty of things we didn’t do well in this game but we got away with a win,” he said, “Sometimes a win’s all you need to really get yourself going.”
Strauss said England had “shown a lot of fight in this match” after the defeat to minnows Ireland and was all praise for his bowlers, terming the spinners’ performance to be ‘outstanding’.
SA captain blames pitch for defeat
Smith admitted it was a tough task batting second on a crumbling pitch.
“We did well most of the game. We knew chasing would be difficult,” he said, “After getting off to a solid start it just became tough to score and once we lost wickets it became tougher.”
With 10 overs left, South Africa needed just 30 to win with three wickets remaining. The eighth-wicket pair of Dale Steyn and Morne van Wyk got the target down to 12 before Tim Bresnan dismissed van Wyk (13).
Eight were then needed off three overs but Broad proved to be England’s hero as he got Steyn out for 20 before removing Morkel, ending with four for 15.
South Africa restrict England
Earlier, South Africa left-arm spinner Robin Peterson took three for 22, including two wickets in the first over of the match to dismiss openers Strauss and Kevin Pietersen. Ravi Bopara was named man-of-the-match after top-scoring with 60.
Bopara, coming into bat at 15 for three, shared a fourth-wicket stand of 99 with Jonathan Trott (52) that ultimately proved vital to the outcome. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir took four for 38.
Bopara said he was quite surprised he had to go into bat early.
“Once the top three were down and me and Trotty were together for a bit, we realised that it’s not a great pitch.”
Broad’s best figures
Stuart Broad’s four for 15 dashed South Africa’s hopes, as he got key players Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis out before snaring the last two wickets to propel England to a famous win. His figures are the best by an Englishman against South Africa in World Cup matches.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2011.
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