Karachi: Putting up a superb fielding show to back a strong bowling display, South Africa extended England’s woes and confirmed top spot in Group B of the Champions Trophy with a seven-wicket win at Karachi’s National Stadium on Saturday.
The doughty Afghanistan team’s faint hopes of making it to the semi-final had depended on England handing South Africa a real thrashing, but to the disappointment of their fans, a poor batting display by England extinguished their hopes of making the semis by the half-way stage of the game.
Due to their poor net run rate of –0.99, Afghanistan needed South Africa to lose by at least 207 runs (chasing 301) to move up to second place. The England batters though flopped, dismissed for 179 in 39.2 overs. Rassie van der Dussen (72 not out) and Heinrich Klaasen (64) then led the comfortable chase, achieved inside 30 overs losing just three wickets.
Australia, whose two matches were abandoned due to rain, finished second in the group.
With Jos Buttler announcing that it will be his last game as captain, it was a chance for England to give him a farewell win. However, the side finds itself in a rut and nothing seems to inspire them.
England have lost seven consecutive ODIs, their longest losing streak since the 11 defeats in-a-row in 2000-01.
Buttler had no answer when asked why so many batters were out of form at the same time. “We were so far short of the mark there today. I don’t know, to be honest. As a whole group, we’re not getting the results and that takes away some confidence. Time for everyone to go away, have a change of scene, work hard,” he said.
