Karachi: Rassie van der Dussen's composed 72* and Heinrich Klaasen’s scintillating 64 off 56 balls powered South Africa to a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in the ICC Champions Trophy at the National Stadium here on Saturday.
With this win, the Proteas finished as table-toppers of Group B, while England bowed out of the tournament with their third defeat, capping off a disappointing campaign.
Klaasen's knock saw him register his fifth consecutive fifty-plus score in ODIs, joining an elite list of South African batsmen, including Jonty Rhodes and Quinton de Kock. His fluent stroke play, coupled with van der Dussen’s solid anchoring, ensured South Africa chased down England’s modest target of 180 with 125 balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, England’s innings never gained momentum as they faltered against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Marco Jansen struck early, dismissing Philip Salt (8) and Jamie Smith (0) within the first three overs. A brief resistance from Joe Root (37) and Harry Brook (19) was short-lived as Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder dismantled the middle order.
Captain Jos Buttler endured a frustrating stay at the crease, struggling for fluency before falling for 21 off 43 balls. Jofra Archer’s valiant 25 off 31 deliveries provided some late runs, but England were bundled out for 179 in 38.2 overs.
Jansen led the bowling effort with 3/29 in seven overs, while Mulder (3/25) and Maharaj (2/35) ensured England never recovered. Lungi Ngidi (1/33) and Kagiso Rabada (1/42) complemented the attack with disciplined spells.
In reply, South Africa’s chase began shakily as Archer removed Tristan Stubbs for a duck and later dismissed Ryan Rickelton (27). However, Klaasen and van der Dussen steadied the innings, dominating the England bowlers with clinical stroke play.
Klaasen’s aggression saw him reach his fifty in quick time, taking on the spinners and pacers alike. Van der Dussen, playing the anchor role, accelerated as the target approached, ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.
Despite a late consolation wicket for England, Klaasen’s form and South Africa’s commanding performance sealed their spot atop Group B, making their way into the semifinals. England, on the other hand, endured a disappointing campaign, exiting the tournament on a low note.