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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jun 21, 2024, 17:28:04 IST
England vs South Africa, Super 8 T20 WC Live Score: England will hope a change of format leads to a change of result when they look to take a giant stride towards the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup against South Africa in Saint Lucia on Friday following a thumping loss the last time they played the Proteas. That Mumbai encounter, seven months ago, was perhaps the lowest point of England's woeful defence of their 50-over World Cup title. Following captain Jos Buttler's extraordinary decision to field first in oppressive heat, England conceded their largest one-day international total of 399 and suffered a colossal 229-run defeat -- their biggest reverse by runs in the history of the format. That was one of six losses in nine games for England as they failed to reach the knockout stage in India. But it appears Buttler's men are making a better defence of their T20 World Cup crown, with England overpowering co-hosts the West Indies by eight wickets in St. Lucia on Wednesday. In chasing down a target of 181 with 15 balls to spare, England emerged with a superior net run-rate to that managed by South Africa in an unexpectedly tense 18-run win over the United States. Another win for England in St. Lucia against the Proteas would all but guarantee a semi-final place. Several of the players that featured for both England and South Africa in India will be involved again on Friday. But England opener Phil Salt, who made a blistering unbeaten 87 against the West Indies, and in-form fast bowler Jofra Archer had no part in that dire defeat in October. This tournament has marked Archer's return to international duty after a lengthy injury absence, with the Barbados-born quick in the air when England were being walloped at the Wankhede Stadium. "Honestly, I didn't get to watch that one as I was heading back to the UK. I know it wasn't a great tournament for the boys but we have put it past us," Archer told a pre-match press conference on Thursday. "We've just won what is probably going to be one of the toughest games of the tournament...It's a tough group and South Africa is the same challenge as any other team, one to six is packed with batters, so it doesn't really change. "We just need to come up with another plan that works." Archer certainly had one of those while bowling a remarkable 16th over to West Indies' dangerman Nicholas Pooran, the leading run-scorer in the tournament. He did not concede a run off five of his six balls and also dismissed Pooran. By contrast, Salt hammered Romario Shepherd for 30 in the same over of England's innings. "It was everything that we talked about in the bowling meetings, just one of the times you nail it," said Archer. "I'm really glad that over was probably the turning point." England now face another big-hitter in Heinrich Klaasen, whose brutal hundred was the cornerstone of South Africa's victory in Mumbai. "We're looking forward to finding our swings again and hopefully we can cash in against England," said Klaasen. "But they're extremely dangerous side. They've got a lot of match-winners so we need to be aware of that and play our big moments better than they do. "Hopefully we can continue our trend of playing good cricket under pressure and it will be fantastic if we can go two out of two and close a semi-final spot for ourselves."
ENG vs SA Live Score: South Africa have upper hand over England in T20 WCs
In the history of T20 World Cups, South Africa have consistently outperformed England, emerging victorious in four out of their six encounters. Their most recent face-off took place in Sharjah in 2021, where South Africa once again proved their dominance over their English counterparts.
England vs South Africa T20 World Cup Live Score: It's 12-all!!
ENG vs SA Live Score: Familiar conditions give England an edge
England's familiarity with conditions, having played against the West Indies already, may provide them an edge. England's bowlers also demonstrated commendable skill by delivering 52 dot balls against the West Indies, preventing them from reaching a second consecutive 200-plus total. Adil Rashid's exceptional economy rate of 5.25 and Jofra Archer's 12 dot balls were instrumental in restricting the Windies. This effective containment strategy reduced the Windies' potential total by at least 20 runs.
England vs South Africa T20 World Cup Live Score: South Africa bank on Rabada and Maharaj
The South African bowlers, especially Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, face the challenge of containing England's powerful batting lineup. Rabada and Maharaj previously demonstrated exceptional control and discipline to secure a win over the USA, who failed to chase 28 runs in the final two overs. Quinton de Kock's resurgence is a key uplifting factor for South Africa. After several mediocre performances with the bat, De Kock scored an aggressive 74 off 40 balls against the USA.
ENG vs SA Live Score: England look another strong start
English opener Phil Salt, ranked No. 2 T20I batter in the world, showcased his skill with an unbeaten 87 as he navigated a challenging 181-run chase with a blend of caution and aggression. Salt, along with skipper Jos Buttler, will aim to provide another strong start for England. Buttler, despite a 42-run effort in their loss to Australia in the group stage, has accumulated only 91 runs from four innings. Jonny Bairstow's return to form, reflected in his crucial 48 not out against the West Indies, is another positive sign for England. Bairstow had struggled earlier in the tournament, scoring just 46 runs with two single-digit dismissals.
England vs South Africa T20 World Cup Live Score: England, SA eye semis spot
Both teams now prepare for what promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with the winner likely setting one foot into the semifinals. Against the West Indies, England's dominating performance placed them at the top of the group due to an impressive Net Run Rate of +1.34, compared to South Africa's +0.90. A victory in the upcoming match would significantly boost their chances of reaching the semifinals of this ICC event. Conversely, South Africa had a tougher time against the USA, managing an 18-run win in their Super Eight opener.
ENG vs SA Live Score: England batters on a roll
England's batters are displaying their form just in time for the T20 World Cup Super 8s, setting the stage for a crucial Group-2 match against South Africa in St Lucia on Friday. Having secured a dominant win over the West Indies with an eight-wicket victory, England aim to continue their momentum against South Africa, who themselves are coming off a win over the USA despite a close call.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash between England and South Africa in Saint Lucia.
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