MUMBAI: When England opted to bowl first after Winning the toss, everyone thought they were afraid of another failure from the mighty South Africa - the team that has explosive batsmen like AB Devilliers, Amla, De Kock, JP Duminy, Faf Duplesis, Miller and more. Getting a chance to bat first, South African batsmen batted fearlessly and scored a mammoth total of 229 for the loss of mere four wickets.
After the first innings, the South African fans really did smell a big win. But England was determined to stay alive in the tournament. After losting to the West Indies in the opening match, they really wanted a win to survive.
England had an explosive start and they reached 50 in the third over and 100 in 45 balls (7.3 overs). Thanks to opener Roy who scored 43 in mere 16 balls. His innings was assisted by 3 maximums and five boundaries. Hales was the first one to fall. Before Abbott trapped him before the wicket, he had scored 17 on 7 with the help of four boundaries. Once the openers got dismissed, then it was like a 'Root show'. Root scored 83 on 44 balls with the help of four maximums and half a dozen boundaries. Root was later adjudged Man of the Match.
Earlier, sent to bat first South Africa scored 229 for the loss of four wickets. For South Africa, Amla (58 on 31, 7x4, 3x6), De Kock (52 on 24, 7x4, 3x6), JP Duminy (54 on 28, 3x4, 3x6) scored half centuries. At the dearth overs, Miller joined the party scoring 28 on 12 with the help of two each maximums and fours. For England, M Ali picked two wickets while Willey and Rashid shared one each.
Replying to a total of 229 with a required run rate of over 11 per over, did not put England batsmen under pressure. Right from the first ball onwards, they proved that they have come to win this match to stay alive in the tournament. With this win over mighty South Africans, Root's team has now regained hopes of survival.
Score- South Africa : 229/4 (20 overs) England - 230/8 (19.4 overs).
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