At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, October 21, South Africa defeated England by an enormous margin of 229 runs to get back on top of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 standings. The Proteas struck a staggering 399/7 in their allotted 50 overs after being given the opportunity to bat first, with Heinrich Klaasen scoring an incredible 100 (109 off 67).
In response, South Africa bowled England out for 170 in 22 overs thanks to three wickets taken by Gerald Coetzee.
With six points from four games thanks to their victory, South Africa is currently third in the standings. However, with just one victory from four games, England dropped to the ninth position.
Earlier in the day, South Africa lost their star opener Quinton de Kock (4 off 2) on the very first delivery of the innings after being given the opportunity to bat first. However, Reeza Hendricks (85 off 75) and Rassie van der Dussen (60 off 61) saved the South African innings after the early dismissal with their 121-run partnership off 116 balls.
Mark Wood is confronted by Heinrich Klaasen’s shout in celebration of his 100th run.
By dismissing both of the set batters, Adil Rashid allowed England to get back into the match. In the middle overs, captain Aiden Markram delivered a useful knock of 42 (44) to keep the scoreboard moving. The two players that helped South Africa to such a high total, though, were Heinrich Klaasen (109 off 67) and Marco Jansen (75* off 42). The best English bowler by far was Reece Topley, who took 3/88 in 8.5 overs.
Gerald Coetzee was the standout for South Africa with the ball.
With Jonny Bairstow (10 off 12), Dawid Malan (6 off 11), Joe Root (2 off 6), and Ben Stokes (5 off 8) back in the pavilion, England’s second innings got off to a disastrous start and they were reduced to 38/4 after 8.1 overs.
Leaving their side looking down the barrel were Captain Jos Buttler (15 off 7) and Harry Brook (17 off 25). Gus Atkinson (35 off 21) and Mark Wood (43* off 17) had brief appearances, helping South Africa reach 170 in 22 overs despite losing the game by 229 runs. There were several South African wickets, including those taken by Gerald Coetzee (3/35, 4 overs), Lungi Ngidi (2/26, 5 overs), and Marco Jansen (2/35, 5 overs).
England won’t forgive Netherlands for what happened to them tonight.
😉#ICCCricketWorldCup— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 21, 2023
England’s batting depth allowed them to play free flowing aggressive cricket. Now Willy batting at 7 will not allow them to play over aggressive cricket. They have changed their strategy mid way of the World Cup. Pretty interesting to see their approach when they bat while…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 21, 2023
Early and shocking call but I reckon England are out of the #WorldCup23 !! You cannot predict in sports and champions do comeback , but they play 2 tough games against AUS and the mighty 🇮🇳 INDIA and their run rate will get worse after tonight’s loss !! Who would have thought…
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) October 21, 2023
Told you i was after a close game at the World Cup .. delighted you have finally got that in #Mumbai today .. #ENGvRSA
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 21, 2023
Protea Fire 🔥
England dire 🫣#EngvSA #CWC23— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 21, 2023
What an incredible performance by South Africa tonight! Outdid the defending champs in all departments.#CWC23 #ENGvSA
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 21, 2023
India
