The Defending Champions were expected to bounce back after a bruising defeat to Afghanistan. The South Africans too were nursing a blow from the Netherlands after a tremendous start, and therefore the contest at the Wankhede in Mumbai between England and South Africa the two arch rivals had huge relevance to the fortunes of both teams. And indeed the South Africans did not disappoint.
England Surrender Early Advantage
The start was exactly what England wanted. Jos Buttler won the toss ( the decision to field was surprising though ) and Reece Topley removed the prolific Quinton de Kock of the second ball of the match. However Reeza Hendricks ( replacing an unwell Temba Bavuma ) and Rassie van der Dussen wrestled the advantage away from England and though a few wickets did fall quickly, Heinrich Klassen and Marco Jansen put the English Bowlers to the sword.
A Klassen Classic
Klassen, in my opinion and also of several others, is the most dangerous batsman in the middle/ lower middle order in the World as of now. His range of shots is exceptional and carries tremendous power to bludgeon any attack in the world. Despite the humidity and his cramping body he continued to torment the English bowlers. Mark Wood’s lethal pace was no deterrence, while David Wiley and Reece Topley were just brushed off from his presence. The timely and well deserved ton which Klassen got will go down as one of his best innings. And what impressed me most is the fact that he plays spin better than most South Africans.
A Marco Feast
Marco Jansen is another hugely improved player. As Klassen was on his haunches and tiring, the tall Jansen just climbed into the English bowlers. England fed him pace and he made merry, sending them away to the stands. Some of his shots particularly the ones over extra cover and straight down the ground were very impressive. Eventually the English bowling was battered and South Africa amassed a massive 399.
England’s Sorry Affair
England were already down in the dumps and their chase too never got going as they lost wickets on an extremely regular basis. None of the batters ( all big names faltering ) put up a semblance of a fight. However they were hardly to blame. The task was enormous and they had to take risks. South African bowlers just held their line good enough and reaped rewards. Very quickly England succumbed to an embarrassing 229 run defeat. It was a double calamity. A terrible loss and a completely messed up net run rate, putting England in a tight corner. Qualification to the top 4 for them seems to be hanging by a thread. As for South Africans they had a great night. Batting first is their forte and they made full use of the opportunity. South Africans would be very difficult to dislodge. May be ‘ make them chase ‘.
Warner-Marsh Derail Pak
Two Tons at the top, a massive 367, an exciting chase and in the end a thumping victory for Australia over Pakistan at Bengaluru. It was Australia’s second consecutive win on the bounce and suddenly the men in yellow are not looking that bad. Warner and Mitch Marsh were the architects of this victory and particularly David Warner with a flamboyant 163 took the game away from Pakistan for good. Pakistan did fight hard and made a strong attempt to reach the target, but losing wickets at regular intervals and some incisive bowling from a resurgent Adam Zampa made Pakistan fall well short of the target, though they did cross the 300 mark. It was a pulsating game until the Pakistan tail simply capitulated.
India Brush aside Bangladesh
Barring the first wicket partnership between Tanzid Tamim ( quite a talent he is ) and the ever impressive Litton Das, nothing went right for Bangladesh as they were completely outplayed by a clinical Indian performance in Pune. Required to score 257 to win, India made light work of the target, with Virat Kohli notching up his 48th ODI century ( just one short of Sachin’s world record ). Another feather in an already crowded hat. Virat looks fresh and fitter than ever and it would not be an exaggeration to say that most of the World Records in International Cricket are at his mercy now. What a performance from Virat and the Indian Team.
The Focus now shifts to the cool environs of Dharamshala, where India take on New Zealand today. The two unconquered sides in the tournament come face to face in a high octane contest. Only one of them can continue to be Invictus.
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Featured Image : Heinrich Klassen
Excellent review of the matches by Riz Khan.
He has a distinct flair and writes with a flourish to paint the current World Cup scenario enabling the reader to excitingly visualise the fireworks and the goings on from the highlights of the battle between the contestants on the cricketing ground.
And I hope he doesn’t miss any of the matches.l wish to hear from him also on yesterday’s Sri Lanka vs Netherlands match at Lucknow.
Thank you so much for the appreciation and encouragement