KARACHI: Clinical South Africa delivered a commanding performance to dismantle England by seven wickets in their final Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing their place in the semi-finals with a clinical chase of a modest 180-run target at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.
With Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen scoring match-winning fifties, the Proteas cemented their dominance in the tournament, finishing at the top of Group B with five points.
England, already eliminated before the match, ended their campaign without a single win, further compounding their disappointing tournament run.
England’s campaign woes continued as they were bowled out for 179 runs in 38.2 overs after electing to bat first.
The innings got off to a shaky start, with early strikes from Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder reducing them to 37-3 in the powerplay. Captain Jos Buttler, playing his final match in charge, contributed 21 runs but failed to anchor the innings.
Joe Root top-scored with 37 runs, sharing a brief 62-run partnership with Harry Brook (19) before another collapse saw England lose their last three wickets for just eight runs.
Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder were the standout bowlers for South Africa, claiming three wickets each, while Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj provided crucial support.
Van der Dussen, Klaasen guide South Africa home
Chasing a modest target, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton (27) and Tristan Stubbs (0) in the powerplay, both dismissed by Jofra Archer (2-55).
However, Van der Dussen and Klaasen steadied the innings with a match-winning 127-run stand for the third wicket.
Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 72, while Klaasen scored a fluent 64, striking boundaries with ease to accelerate the chase.
Adil Rashid dismissed Klaasen in the 29th over, but by then, South Africa needed just six more runs. David Miller (7*) finished the match in style with a second-ball six off Liam Livingstone, sealing victory in just 29.1 overs.
Player of the Match Marco Jansen praised the team’s disciplined performance, stating: “Obviously, it’s a good feeling. The boys worked very hard. It’s not the easiest conditions for bowlers, and while the pitch suited batting, it was still a challenge to play 50 overs. I’m happy with my performance and how we restricted them from scoring quickly.”
For England, the defeat marked a bitter end to Buttler’s tenure as captain, with the team finishing bottom of Group B after three consecutive losses.
Semi-final implications
With this win, South Africa finished atop Group B with five points and will face the winner of Group A in the semi-finals.
Australia, placed second in the group with four points, also advanced to the knockouts. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s hopes of progressing were dashed despite their match against Australia being washed out due to rain.
South Africa and Australia are set to travel to Dubai, with one team returning to Lahore depending on the semi-final draw.
Final standings of Group B
South Africa – 5 points (Qualified for semi-finals)
Australia – 4 points (Qualified for semi-finals)
Afghanistan – 3 points (Eliminated)
England – 0 points (Eliminated)
