Proteas secure Semi-Final with Commanding Victory Over England in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

South Africa secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals with a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in the final Group B match. The Proteas, led by half-centuries from Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen, chased down England’s modest total of 179 with ease, marking a dominant end to their group stage campaign.

England, already eliminated from the tournament after two consecutive losses, struggled to make an impact in their final match under Jos Buttler’s ODI captaincy. Buttler, who announced his decision to step down as skipper ahead of the game, could only watch as his team was bowled out for 179 in 39 overs—the lowest total of the tournament so far.

South Africa’s chase began smoothly despite losing Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs early to Jofra Archer. Klaasen (50) and van der Dussen (54) steadied the innings with a composed partnership, ensuring the Proteas remained on track. Klaasen fell late in the chase, caught by Saqib Mahmood off Adil Rashid’s bowling, but David Miller sealed the win in style with a six off just his second ball.

England’s innings was a story of missed opportunities and collapses. After winning the toss and opting to bat, they lost three quick wickets within the first seven overs, with Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, and Ben Duckett all departing cheaply. A brief partnership of 62 between Harry Brook (19) and Joe Root (37) offered some hope, but Root’s dismissal—deceived by a brilliant delivery from Wiann Mulder—triggered a middle-order collapse.

Liam Livingstone (9) was stumped by Klaasen, while Jamie Overton (11) fell to a sensational catch by Lungi Ngidi off Kagiso Rabada’s bowling. Jofra Archer provided some resistance with a quick 25, but Buttler’s sluggish 21 off 43 balls summed up England’s struggles. Adil Rashid was the last man to fall, caught behind off Mulder’s bowling, as England were bowled out well before the 40-over mark.

South Africa’s victory was further bolstered by their strong bowling performance. Mulder (3/32) and Rabada (2/29) were the standout bowlers, while Ngidi’s stunning catch to dismiss Overton was a highlight of the fielding effort. The Proteas now advance to the semi-finals, where they will look to continue their impressive form.

For England, the match marked the end of a disappointing campaign. After a nail-biting loss to Afghanistan in Lahore, their hopes of progressing were dashed, and Buttler’s tenure as ODI captain concluded on a somber note. The team will now look to rebuild ahead of future tournaments.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com