De Kock Shines as South Africa Edges England in Thrilling Clash

Quinton de Kock's swift fifty and Anrich Nortje's tight final over helped South Africa narrowly defeat England by seven runs. The win propels South Africa closer to a semi-final berth with two consecutive wins in the Super Eight stage.

South Africa's Quinton de Kock got a second straight fifty while Anrich Nortje bowled a tight final over to help their side edge England by seven runs on Friday and move closer to a semi-final berth with back-to-back wins in the Super Eight stage. Put in to bat first, South Africa started well with an 86-run partnership between De Kock (65 off 38) and Reeza Hendricks (19). They posted a competitive 163-6 despite some slow overs in the middle thanks to a late David Miller cameo (43 off 28).

Defending champions England lost opener Phil Salt early during the chase while Jos Buttler (17) and Jonny Bairstow (16) fell soon after. Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) put on a 78-run partnership from 52 balls that got England close, but with 14 runs needed from the last over, they fell short.

South Africa are now top of their group with four points from two matches. England, second with two points, can still qualify for the semis when they play the United States on Sunday, the same day South Africa face hosts West Indies.