Cricket World Cup 2023: South Africa rout England to leave holders on brink of elimination

England suffered a 229-run defeat at the hands of South Africa in Mumbai to leave them on the cusp of elimination from the Cricket World Cup.

Jos Buttler's side are the current champions but while they remain in with a chance of the semi-finals, they would have to win all five of their remaining matches to be sure of doing so.

The margin of defeat on Saturday in Mumbai was one of their worst in history, with South Africa’s 399-7 the highest total England have given up in a 50-over match.

Before the match, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone were dropped, with Ben Stokes fit enough to play his first match of the tournament.

Reece Topley had to go off with an injured finger, while Adil Rashid grabbed 2-61 despite illness, and David Willey suffered cramp as the brutally hot conditions took a toll.

Heinrich Klaasen smashed a century off 61 balls, and Marco Jansen scored 75 from 42, with England failing to keep a lid on their opponents.

The final 10 overs saw South Africa plunder 143 runs, and 84 from the last five, setting England their largest run chase in the format.

England were in trouble before the coin toss with players struggling or out through injury and illness, and after their comprehensive failure in the field, they then struggled with the bat.

Jonny Bairstow was out caught at deep square leg by Rassie van der Dussen off Lungi Ngidi in the third over. Joe Root and Dawid Malan followed quickly, before Stokes was caught and bowled by Kagiso Rabada as England collapsed to 38-4.

They were at 68-6 and 100-8 before Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson saved a bit of face with some fine hitting before the innings came to a close at 170 all out in 22 overs, with Topley unable to bat due to his injury.

England next play Sri Lanka on Thursday, with matches to follow against India and Australia, as they face a tough challenge to reach the last four.

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