In the World Cup, South Africa delivered a resounding 229-run defeat to the defending champions, England

In their first innings, the Proteas amassed an imposing total of 399 runs, while England was dismissed for just 170 runs.

In a remarkable World Cup 2023 match held at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, South Africa secured an astonishing 229-run victory over the defending champions, England.

Chasing a colossal target of 400 runs, courtesy of explosive innings by South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jensen, England’s innings folded at 170 runs in the 22nd over.

The Proteas, with six points, currently occupy the third spot on the points table, having won three out of four matches played in the tournament so far.

England was headed for a defeat by nearly 300 runs, but a valiant effort from their tailenders, Gus Atkinson and Mark Wood provided some respite. They forged a 70-run partnership, with the latter amassing an unbeaten 43 runs off 17 deliveries.

No English batsman managed to hold their ground, with three of their top-order batsmen – Dawid Malan, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes – failing to reach double-digit scores.

Wood emerged as the highest run-scorer for England with 43 runs. However, the entire English side was bundled out for just 170 runs, losing wickets in quick succession.

South African bowlers, including Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jensen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Gerald Coetzee, wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, sending all their players back to the pavilion.

Earlier in the day, South Africa, batting first, posted a massive total of 399 runs, thanks to a formidable batting performance from their top and middle order. Despite losing an early wicket – Quinton de Kock for just four runs in the first over – the Proteas displayed unwavering aggression. Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen constructed a crucial 121-run partnership.

The remaining damage to the English bowlers was inflicted by the 151-run partnership between Klaasen and Marco Jensen. Klaasen accelerated to a century, scoring 109 runs from just 67 deliveries with 16 boundaries, while Jensen contributed 75 runs from 42 deliveries, featuring nine boundaries.

England’s Reece Topley claimed three wickets, while Gus Atkinson and Adil Rashid secured two wickets each, but it was insufficient in the face of the formidable Proteas’ batting.

South Africa will face Bangladesh on October 24 at the same venue, while England will compete against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru on October 26.