South Africa secured their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals after a dominant bowling performance saw them bowl out England for just 179 runs. The Proteas needed a must-win result to advance into the semis, and for Afghanistan to advance South Africa was to lose with a margin of 200 runs but with England setting a sub-200 target, their qualification was confirmed, effectively knocking Afghanistan out of the semi-final race.
Commanding performance by South Africa.
England’s innings never gained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals against South Africa’s disciplined attack. Marco Jansen set the tone early, removing Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, and Ben Duckett in quick succession. Joe Root provided brief resistance with 37 runs, but his dismissal to Wiaan Mulder left England struggling.
Captain Jos Buttler, in his final match as skipper, battled for 21 off 43 balls before falling to Lungi Ngidi. Harry Brook’s attempt to counterattack ended with a stunning catch by Jansen off Keshav Maharaj’s ball, further denting England’s hopes.
The chase ahead:
With a target of 180 to chase South Africa will look to fast forward the run chase and try to win the match to finish at the top of the table for Group B. With the services of explosive Protean batters including Stubbs, Rickleton, Klassen and others, the chase looks like a cakewalk for the team. However, South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram might not come to bat as he left the field during the first innings after an injury scare.
Semi-finalists spot sealed:
With this match, we now have the four semi-finalists for the Champions Trophy 2025. From Group A India and New Zealand have qualified. While from Group B Australia and South Africa will advance into the semis.
