South Africa Proteas clear its way to ICC Champions Trophy, beating England by seven wickets at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. It advanced the Semi Finals of the 2025 cricket tournament.
The match between SA Proteas and England was played on Saturday to win place in the 11th Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan.
South Africa first dismissed England for 179, comfortably chasing the target with 20.5 overs to spare. England needed to make 207 runs to win and Afghanistan a chance of qualifying for the last-four stage based on the net run-rate.
SA Proteas quickly bundled out their opponents for the lowest total of tournament in just 38.2 overs. Matco Jansen (3/39) shone with the new ball, while Wiaan Mulder (3/25) and Keshav Maharaj (2/35) applied pressure throughout the middle overs, and ensured that South Africa’s knockout berth was secured even before the run chase began.
South Africa finished the chase with ease by reaching 181/3 in 29.1 overs. Thanks to the impressive fifties from Heinrich Klaasen (64) and Rassie Van der Dussen (72 not out). Klaasen and Van der Dussen added 127 runs for the third wicket.
Considering this victory, the National Cricket Team of South Africa joined Australia in the semi-finals from Group-B. The Proteas topped the group with five points from three matches ahead of Australia (4-points).
England immediately head home after a torrid beginning to 2025. They performed worse losing run for 24 years and their record in 2025 that reads 10 defeats in 11 matches across one-day and T20 matches.
After making its way to semi-finals South Africa will play its next match on Wednesday, March 05, 2025 against New Zealand, which got defeated by India on Sunday, March 02, 2025, that will later decide the teams to play for the finals.
Match between India and New Zealand was interesting, as the players enjoyed it themselves while playing it. Tomorrow, March 04, 2025 will host the game between India and Australia and will see who will make their way to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy finals.