(UTV | SHARJAH) – England qualified for the semi-finals of the Men’s T20 World Cup despite a 10-run defeat by South Africa in Sharjah.
Chasing 190, England needed 14 from the final six balls but Kagiso Rabada began the over with a hat-trick, having Chris Woakes, Eoin Morgan and Chris Jordan caught in the deep.
Although they inflicted a first defeat of the tournament on England, South Africa’s failure to limit them to 131 or fewer meant Australia reached the last four at the Proteas’ expense.
England secured their place in the knockout stages by reaching 87, and confirmed their status as group winners by reaching 106.
However, perhaps significantly for the rest of the tournament, they lost opener Jason Roy to what appeared to be a serious calf injury.
He looked close to tears when forced to retire hurt and was using crutches after the game.
In an entertaining game full of wonderful striking, Rassie van der Dussen made a brilliant 94 not out from 60 balls in South Africa’s 189-2, sharing an unbroken 103-run stand with Aiden Markram, who scored 52 not out from 25 deliveries.