The Proteas completed an emphatic 229-run victory in Mumbai against England in their 4th match of the 2023 World Cup.
After losing to the Netherlands in match three in quite an embarrassing fashion, the Proteas were put in to bat first, in the Mumbai heat. It was a collective batting performance that put the Proteas in the driving seat in the match, with 399 in their innings, to achieve the highest total scored against England in an ODI.
Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen gave the Proteas a brilliant platform after losing Quinton de Kock early on. Hendricks, who replaced Temba Bavuma, who withdrew before the game due to illness, scored a statement 85 off 75 balls, while Van Der Dussen was crucial to the partnership with 60 off 61. The pair took the team to 125 before the latter lost his wicket.
The highlight of the match had to be Heinrich Klaasen, whose 109 off 67 balls (12 fours, 4 sixes) took the Proteas to an incredible 394-6. Aiden Markram was crucial with his cameo 43, but the second-most impressive knock had to be from Marco Jansen who scored his maiden half-century in ODI cricket. He wallopped 75 off 42 balls (3 fours and 6 sixes) and was pivotal to the Proteas setting a record 400-run target for the defending champs.
The bowling performance was also commendable, particularly up front.
The Proteas toppled England’s stars 68-6 in 11.3 overs. They continued to take wickets, but struggled at the death, allowing Mark Wood to score 43 off 17 balls and Gus Atkinson to score 35 off 21 balls. Although they showed some resistance, England were skittled for 170 runs.
Gerald Coetzee was SA’s top wicket-taker with 3-35.
Photo by Vipin Pawar/Shutterstock
