Fiery Klaasen ton batters England into submission

South Africa register another thumping win while the defeat left holders on the brink of an early exit

- RASESH MANDANI

When England invite the opposition to take first strike, they are not simply bowling first, rather they are choosing to chase. That's the sort of psychological messaging English teams across formats have tried to send to the opposition in recent times. When it mattered, and at the most crucial juncture of the ODI World Cup for them, South Africa plundered 399 runs braving the Mumbai heat on Saturday and Jos Buttler's England capitulated.

Even Mark Wood's merry hitting towards the end (43₹ off 17b) couldn't prevent England from suffering their heaviest ODI defeat, by 229 runs, after their innings ended at 170 in 22 overs.

With three losses in four matches, the defending champions may need to win all five remaining group games to keep their semi-final hopes alive. On current form, it appears highly doubtful. South Africa, with their commanding performance, have climbed to third on the points table with three wins in four matches.

Replacing the ill Temba Bavuma, opener Reeza Hendricks he was told five minutes before the toss that he was playing - rose to the occasion with a 75-ball 85. By the time South Africa lost their fifth wicket in the 37th over, the harsh afternoon sun had begun to take leave. The near-capacity Wankhede Stadium crowd was just about beginning to get its act together with the Mexican waves.