Joe Root superb 83 of just 44 balls guided England to a record win against South Africa in the World T20 game. England chased down what was the highest run chase in short history of World T20.
England produced the record-breaking highest run chase in World T20 history when they chased down massive 231 target set by South Africa. England who won the toss and elected to field first a decision which looked wrong on every scale when South Africa were batting but England came back stronger in the chase from the first over to the last to beat South Africa and register their first win in the competition.
Amla and De Knock produced superb 96 runs opening stand to lay the foundation for late order hitting.
Having put in to bat first, South African openers Hashim Amla (58 of 31 balls) and de Kock (52 of 24 balls) produce quick fire fifties in the 96 runs opening stand which provided a superb platform for late order blitz. Although England crawled their way back into the game in middle overs but a late assult from JP Duminy (54 of 28 balls) helped South Africa post a record 231 run target.
JP Duminy’s 58 of just 28 balls inning was key to South Africa’s massive total of 230 runs.
It was always going to be difficult for England but credit to their openers who started off with a bang. Jason Roy (43 of 16 balls) and Alex Hales (16 of 7 balls) got England to a flyer with first two overs yielding a massive 44 runs.
Jason Roy (43 of 16 balls) and Alex Hales laid the foundation for England’s record breaking chase.
Joe Root steady the ship for England afterwards with his impressive (83 of 44 balls) to get England closer to the target and every one in middle-order chipped in with important runs
England vs South Africa Scorecards:
Everyone played their part in South African inning getting them to record 230 runs. It was largely thanks to quire first 96 runs opening partnership between Amla and De Knock while JP Duminy scored quick-fire fifty just when England were getting back into the game.
England on the other hand had similar tale to their inning as top order blitz South africa bowing early on but England struggled to get boundaries after the initial assault. How every Joe Root’s calculated inning of 83 runs guided England to a record win against South Africa.
England did have some butterflies towards the end of the inning when having made 229 with ease it took best part of last over to take that final run. All in all it was a great night of cricket for neutrals but seam bowlers from both sides had nothing to smile about. England stay alive in the competition while South Africa start their campaign with a defeat and that famous “C” word associated with South Africa cricket team.