South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat England by seven wickets in the 11th match of Group B at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Held at the National Stadium, England elected to bat first but struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack, getting bowled out cheaply in 38.2 overs. In response, South Africa chased down the target with ease, and booked their spot in the semi-final.
England’s batting struggles on a testing surface
England’s decision to bat first after winning the toss did not go as planned, as their batting lineup faltered against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite a steady start, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any substantial partnerships. Philip Salt’s quick 8-run cameo was cut short, while Ben Duckett’s 24 off 21 provided a brief glimmer of hope.
Joe Root held the innings together with a fighting 37 off 44, finding occasional support from Harry Brook (19) and Jos Buttler (21). However, England never gained momentum, with South Africa’s bowlers applying consistent pressure. Marco Jansen (3/39) and Wiaan Mulder (3/25) dismantled the middle order, while Keshav Maharaj (2/35) tightened the screws with his spin. England eventually folded for 179 in 38.2 overs, leaving themselves with a below-par total.
South Africa’s clinical chase led by Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen
Chasing 180 for victory, South Africa had a minor hiccup when Tristan Stubbs fell for a duck, but Ryan Rickelton’s 27 off 25 provided early momentum. The real game-changers, however, were Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen, who put on a match-winning partnership. Van der Dussen anchored the innings with a composed 72 off 87, while Klaasen’s aggressive 64 off 56, featuring 11 boundaries, ensured the chase was wrapped up efficiently.
Jofra Archer (2/55) was the only England bowler who posed any significant threat, but the lack of support from others allowed South Africa to cruise to victory in just 29.1 overs. David Miller’s quick-fire 7 off 2, including a six, finished off the match in style.
Here is how fans reacted:
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
A phenomenal all-around display from South Africa as they blitzed through England by 7 wickets to finish at the top of Group B 🏏👏💪🔥🇿🇦.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/On3euANhzd
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 1, 2025
Marco Jansen wins Player of the match award 🥇#Cricket #SAvENG #MarcoJansen #ChampionsTrophy #CrickTwitter pic.twitter.com/otl0Kksvym
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2025
SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP OF CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025: 🏆
South Africa vs Loser of IND vs NZ.
Australia vs Winner of IND vs NZ. pic.twitter.com/NsUoXenUkn
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 1, 2025
2023 World Cup – India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
2025 Champions Trophy – India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
– THE SAME 4 TEAMS ARE THE SEMI FINALIST ONCE AGAIN…!!! 🙇♂️💯 pic.twitter.com/0L70UkkuTB
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 1, 2025
Australia 🇦🇺 India 🇮🇳 New Zealand 🇳🇿 South Africa 🇿🇦
We have our 4️⃣ semi-finalists of the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 🔥
More ➡️ https://t.co/0MmEMSIfFq pic.twitter.com/nZeGXCUzJ7
— ICC (@ICC) March 1, 2025
🏆 SOUTH AFRICA STORM INTO THE SEMIS! 🇿🇦🔥
SA win by 7 wickets to top Group B! A dominant all-round display sees them cruise past England with 125 balls to spare.💪
🔹Klaasen (64) & van der Dussen (72*) power the chase.
🔹Marco Jansen wins Player of the Match. 🌟#SAvsENG #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/nzcoADbcC0— Yogesh Goswami (@yogeshgoswami_) March 1, 2025
South Africa won by 7 Wickets. Fantastic spell Wiaan Mulder 3/25, Marco Jansen 3/39 and K Maharaj 2/35. Brilliant knock Rassie van der Dussen 72* and H Klaasen 64(56). South Africa in #ChampionsTrophy2025 #SF. #SAvENG #ChampionsTrophy @wiaan_m @keshavmaharaj16 @Rassie72…
— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) March 1, 2025
We’re beaten in our final game of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
A disappointing campaign, but we know we’ll be back stronger as a group 💪 pic.twitter.com/b5aqxKm57Q
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 1, 2025
South Africa Beaten England Comprehensively By 7 Wickets Nicely Balanced Team Before The Business End Semi Final Clash Either With Australia Or New Zealand They Meant Business Here Fantastic Innings From Henrich Klaasen Rassie Van Der Dussan Brilliant Bowling From Jansen Rabada
— Harneet Sahni (@harneet_sahni) March 1, 2025
Also WATCH: Marco Jansen’s stunning grab removes Harry Brook in SA vs ENG clash at Champions Trophy 2025
