SA vs ENG First Innings | South Africa Stun England as Jansen, Mulder Dismantle Batting Line-Up in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 South Africa vs England

England struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, getting bowled out for just 179 in 38.2 overs. Marco Jansen (3/39) and Wiaan Mulder (3/25) led the charge, dismantling England’s batting lineup early. Joe Root (37) and Jofra Archer (25) were the only notable contributors for England. South Africa now has a comfortable target of 180 to chase, with their batting lineup in a strong position. England’s bowlers face an uphill battle to defend the low total.

Scorecard

England Innings: 179 all out in 38.2 overs

• Joe Root 37 (44), Jofra Archer 25 (31), Ben Duckett 24 (21)
• Marco Jansen 3/39, Wiaan Mulder 3/25, Keshav Maharaj 2/35

South Africa Bowling:

• Marco Jansen 7-0-39-3
• Wiaan Mulder 7.2-0-25-3
• Keshav Maharaj 10-0-35-2

South Africa Dominate as England Stumble to 179 in ICC Champions Trophy 2025

England’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took a major hit as their batting lineup collapsed against a fiery South African bowling attack, managing just 179 runs before being bowled out in 38.2 overs at the National Stadium in Karachi. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder led the Proteas’ charge, tearing through England’s middle order and putting their side in a commanding position.

Having won the toss and opting to bat first, England hoped to set a challenging total. However, what followed was a disastrous display of batting frailty against a well-disciplined and aggressive South African bowling unit.

A Nightmare Start for England

England’s innings got off to the worst possible start, with opener Philip Salt falling in the very first over. The right-handed batter, who has been England’s aggressive weapon in white-ball cricket, could not make an impact as he was dismissed by Rassie van der Dussen off Marco Jansen for just 8 runs.

Things went from bad to worse when Jamie Smith, England’s wicketkeeper-batsman, was sent packing for a duck in the second over. The early double blow put England in deep trouble, forcing them to consolidate rather than attack.

Ben Duckett attempted to counterattack with a quick 24 off 21 balls, but his resistance was short-lived as he was caught off Jansen’s bowling. By the seventh over, England were reeling at 37 for 3, and South Africa had already tightened their grip on the game.

Joe Root’s Lone Resistance

Joe Root, England’s most experienced batter, tried to anchor the innings with a patient 37 off 44 deliveries. He played with caution and precision, attempting to stabilize the innings. However, just as England seemed to find some momentum, Wiaan Mulder struck, rattling Root’s stumps and dealing another huge blow.

Harry Brook, known for his attacking prowess, tried to counter with a 19-run knock off 29 balls but fell to Keshav Maharaj’s spin. Maharaj then continued his stellar spell by removing Liam Livingstone, who perished after scoring just 9 runs.

Captain Jos Buttler’s Failure Adds to England’s Woes

England’s captain, Jos Buttler, was expected to lead from the front, but he too fell cheaply, scoring only 21 runs before being caught off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling. His dismissal left England in further disarray at 173 for 9, with their lower order struggling to contribute meaningful runs.

Jofra Archer was the only lower-order batter who showed some resistance, hitting 25 off 31 balls to push England past the 170-run mark. However, his efforts were cut short by Mulder, who struck again to finish with figures of 3 for 25.

Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood added a few more runs before England’s innings came to an end at 179 in just 38.2 overs.

South Africa’s Bowling Masterclass

South Africa’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, exploiting England’s weaknesses with precision. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 3 wickets for 39 runs in his 7 overs. His early breakthroughs set the tone for South Africa’s dominance.

Wiaan Mulder provided outstanding support, picking up 3 for 25 in 7.2 overs, while Keshav Maharaj’s spin proved to be a major hurdle for England’s batters as he claimed 2 for 35.

Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada also chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring England never gained momentum. Their combined efforts helped South Africa wrap up England’s innings well before the 50-over mark, giving them an early advantage in the game.

England’s Struggles in the Tournament Continue

This disappointing performance raises serious questions about England’s batting approach in the tournament. Despite having a lineup filled with explosive hitters and experienced players, their inability to withstand South Africa’s disciplined attack has put them in a precarious position in Group B.

With the competition heating up, England will need to reassess their strategies and make crucial adjustments to bounce back in the upcoming matches. Their next challenge will require a much-improved batting display if they are to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

South Africa in Control Ahead of Run Chase

With just 180 runs needed for victory, South Africa finds itself in a commanding position. The Proteas' batting lineup, led by captain Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller, will look to capitalize on the momentum and chase down the target with ease.

England’s only hope lies in an inspired bowling effort from Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Liam Livingstone, but defending a low total against South Africa’s in-form batters will be an uphill battle.

As the second innings unfolds, all eyes will be on how England’s bowlers respond to the challenge and whether South Africa can complete a dominant win to strengthen their position in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.