South Africa decimate England to march into semi-finals
Jansen and Mulder shared six wickets before van der Dussen and Klaasen hit fifties in the paltry chase
Jansen and Mulder shared six wickets before van der Dussen and Klaasen hit fifties in the paltry chase
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Matt Roller
8.00pm: Well, that was a grim watch from an England perspective. South Africa far too good, and cruise through to the semi-finals as group winners. They're off to Dubai for now... but will have to hop back over to Lahore if India beat New Zealand tomorrow night. On behalf of Ranjith and Alan, thanks for tuning in and we'll be back tomorrow for that Group A decider.
Aiden Markram says his absence was precautionary, after he went off with a hamstring niggle. "I thought the boys were really good," he says. "The wicket was quite slow, slower than we expected. The boys adapted really well. Kept trying to hold a length for as long as they could. We took wickets throughout. [Jansen?] He's been huge for us. We all know in the Powerplay, especially in conditions like this, you need to be taking wickets up front. He's been peaking at the right time for us. [Klaasen?] Always great to see him out in the middle. He's been in a ridiculous patch of form over the last many months. [Change of balance if you play in Dubai?] We'll have to see if that is going to be the case and if so, see what conditions are like. We've got a great squad with lots of options. Whatever role each individual has, Temba backs them along with the coach."
7.54pm: Time to hear from the captains. Jos Buttler looks glum. "A really disappointing performance. We were so far short of the mark there today. [Lack of confidence?] It was a decent surface - pretty slow but a bit two-paced. We're not going on and making those big, telling contributions which has been a story of this side for some time now with the bat. [Why?] I don't know, to be honest. As a whole group, we're not getting the results and that takes away some confidence. Time for everyone to go away, have a change of scene, work hard.
"There's now a huge opportunity for everyone in the dressing room and those outside to put their hand up and say they want to be part of these white-ball teams. There's no doubt that the talent is there. I'm sure Brendon and the guys at the top will formulate some plans, and it's down to individuals as well to say they want to be part of something and get this team back to where it should be. [Highlight - 2022 T20 WC?] That was a fantastic time. To be a World Cup-winning captain is an incredibly proud moment. That was the best day in a captaincy shirt (sic). [Root example?] Joe's been a shining light and a great example for English cricket throughout. We've seen him take his game to new levels since relinquishing the captaincy. Hopefully I can follow him lead."
Sampath Bandarupalli tells me that England have now lost seven consecutive ODIs - their longest losing streak in men's ODIs since losing 11 (yes, eleven) in a row in 2000-01. Brutal.
Atul: "Hoping India would win tomorrow and face Australia in the Semifinal itself rather than in the Final!!"
Raghu: "3 of the 8 teams finished the tournament winless. Brutal!"
Marco Jansen is Player of the Match. "It's a good feeling. The boys worked very hard. It's not the easiest conditions from a bowling point of view," he says. "Very happy to get through. There was no swing, which I wasn't happy about - but I was happy with my performance. [Brook catch?] Only 28 metres? I just saw the ball going up and didn't think much. I was just trying to get as close to the ball as I could. Luckily I got there quite easy. [Waiting game?] I just want to go and sleep now! We'll take it as it comes tomorrow. For now, we'll rest up and enjoy this win."
7.45pm: Job done for South Africa, who will now have to wait to find out whether they will face India or New Zealand in their semi-final. England, by contrast, will slink out of Pakistan after suffering three defeats from three. Jos Buttler's final outing as captain ends in crushing defeat in Karachi. There's a big rebuilding job for whoever comes next
Right, time for me to toss this back to Matt for the presentations. Cheerio!
Just one off the over, a stay of execution
In walks David Miller. Six to win first ball? Sip and leg slip posted
H Klaasen c Mahmood b Rashid 64 (87m 56b 11x4 0x6) SR: 114.28
Different batting line-ups, lack of impact from second spinner, shorter lengths from quicks, and other factors which defined Buttler's era
England need a new white-ball leader but the risks of over-burdening crucial player are rife
"To have him back and to have him fit and excited about playing is a real win for English cricket," Brendon McCullum says
He also hailed Marco Jansen as 'the complete package' for South Africa
Having quietly contributed towards South Africa's qualification for the semi-final, he could have a far bigger role to play in the knockouts