But a victory in the Champions Trophy, also in England, would go a long way to relieving the pressure that has built on South African teams during 19 years of near-misses and outright failures in global events - a pressure that has seen South Africa being labelled "chokers" due to their tendency to perform well in limited overs cricket but crumble in one-off knockout games. Alex Hales and Joe Root responded well, the pair putting on 58 prior to de Kock catching Hales behind the stumps attempting a tight cut.
After a top-edge off Rabada flew high between keeper and slip, Stokes followed up with a dismissive thump back down the ground and a single to bring up his half-century from 48 balls.
England continued to try to attack their way out of trouble, and paid further price with two more wickets in the same over. "We do come in with a bit of confidence because we haven't played too badly but we do need a win". Yet after the allrounder departed upon reaching three figures, Buttler moved through the gears, dispatching Phehlukwayo for four fours in one over as he closed in on his 50. They were eventually bowled out for 153 in 31.1 overs, and South Africa cruised to a seven-wicket win in 28.5 overs.
De Kock, who hit 11 fours, was caught behind while attempting to glide offspinner Moeen Ali to third man, and de Villiers gloved a low catch behind the wickets off Liam Plunkett.
South Africa, set 331 to win, finished on 328 for five, with Quinton de Kock making 98. What cost us was the first hour this morning when there was a lot of live green grass on the wicket, but South Africa bowled beautifully. Runs began to flow again as Miller and Chris Morris freed their arms, setting up an exciting finish.
Hopes rise for softer Brexit after poll shock
May tried to reassert her shattered authority at the weekend by announcing her new cabinet - with no changes among her top team. Jeremy Corbyn said he will oppose the government all the way, telling the Sunday Mirror he can "still be prime minister".
"There's a lot of changes and opportunity for players like Jonny Bairstow and David Willey to come out and pressure those players in front of them in the Champions Trophy squad".
South Africa, whose fielding was vastly improved from the defeats in Leeds and Southampton, then avoided a 3-0 whitewash by easing to the target with 21.1 overs to spare, for the loss of three wickets and with their innings interrupted by the interval. It fell to Duminy to strike the winning runs as South Africa grabbed a consolation win to take some momentum into the Champions Trophy. Unfortunately we didn't get across the line, but proud of the effort. "They have had ups and downs but ultimately they have played in the fashion that we have played as a team and they have been very important to that".
England could seal a Royal London One-Day worldwide series whitewash if they are able to defeat South Africa at Lord's on Bank Holiday Monday 29 May.
"Moeen has pulled up really well; Ben could have played, but it was another day off his feet, and the two bowlers that missed out could have played but it would have meant they were tired again. and we didn't want that going into Thursday's game".
Comments