Champions Trophy: Van der Dussen and Klaasen Shine as South Africa Defeats England by Seven Wickets
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Synopsis
Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen led South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over England in the 2025 Champions Trophy, each scoring half-centuries. Their 127-run partnership helped South Africa secure the top spot in Group B. England's miserable tournament ended with another defeat, bowing out after losing all three matches.
Key Takeaways
- Rassie van der Dussen scored 72 not out off 87 balls.
- Heinrich Klaasen contributed with 64 runs from 56 balls.
- South Africa topped Group B in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
- England bowled out for 179 in 38.2 overs.
- Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen each took three wickets.
Karachi, March 1 (NationPress) Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen both scored fifties, combining for a remarkable 127-run partnership off 122 balls, leading South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over England, securing their position as Group B leaders in the 2025 Champions Trophy match at the National Stadium on Saturday. Following strong performances from pace all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen, who each took three wickets, England was bowled out for a disappointing 179 in just 38.2 overs. Van der Dussen anchored the innings with an unbeaten 72 runs off 87 balls, which included six fours and three sixes.
Klaasen contributed significantly with a brisk 64 runs off 56 balls, featuring 11 boundaries. South Africa completed their chase in 29.1 overs, showcasing another dominant performance.
Now, South Africa awaits the outcome of the match between India and New Zealand to determine their semifinal opponent. Meanwhile, England faced a disheartening exit from the tournament, losing all three of their matches, with Jos Buttler concluding his captaincy with this heavy defeat.
During the chase for 180 runs, South Africa began with a challenging first over from Jofra Archer, which included five wides. Archer struck in the third over, dismissing Tristan Stubbs for a duck. Ryan Rickleton managed 27 runs off 25 balls, hitting five boundaries before falling victim to Archer's delivery.
Despite early setbacks, van der Dussen and Klaasen built a solid partnership, with van der Dussen striking two fours off punches and Klaasen hitting five boundaries in the first seven overs. Klaasen reached his fifty in just 41 balls, while van der Dussen followed suit, achieving his milestone in 72 balls.
Van der Dussen shifted gears with a six over long-on off Liam Livingstone and continued to score rapidly, while Klaasen was eventually dismissed by Rashid. David Miller capped off the innings with a six, igniting celebrations among the Proteas.
Brief scores:
England 179 all out in 38.2 overs (Joe Root 37, Jofra Archer 25; Wiaan Mulder 3-25, Marco Jansen 3-39) lost to South Africa 181/3 in 29.1 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 72 not out, Heinrich Klaasen 64; Jofra Archer 2-55, Adil Rashid 1-37) by seven wickets
