Sunday 6 March 2011

England vs South Africa: Broad's fiery spell helps Eng win

England clinched cliffhanger against South Africa by six runs here at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Cheapuk, Chennai on Sunday.
Eng vs SA: Live scorecard and commentary
In a nail-biting encounter, South Africa was all out for 165 runs.
England bowlers defended the moderate total of 171 runs brilliantly and bundled out Proteas for 165 runs.
After getting good start, South African middle order collapsed like a house of cards. Hasim Amla was the top scorer with 42 runs.
Stuart Broad picked up crucial four wickets to guide his side towards victory. With this win, England has strengthened its position in Group B.
Earlier, South Africa restricted 171 runs in a Group B match here at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.
Electing to bat, England has disastrous start as they lost openers in the very first over of the match. South African skipper Graeme Smith’s trick of opening the bowling with spinner Robin person proved fruitful. Peterson dismissed English skipper Andrew Strauss (0) and Kevin Pietersen (2) in his first over.
Later Peterson provided third jolt to England by scalping Ian Bell for 5 runs.
Tottering at 15/3, English middle order batsmen Jonathan Trott and Ravi Bopara started damage control work cautiously.
Bopara proved his inclusion worthy as he added crucial 99 runs with Trott. Trott scored 52 runs before dismissed by Imran Tahir.
England’s innings collapsed after end of Bopara’s sensual knock of 60 runs.
Imran tahir was the most successful bowler. He took four wickets and is second highest wicket (11) taker in this World Cup. Robin Peterson scalped three batsmen while Morne Morkel claimed two wickets. Dale Steyn took one wicket.

Preview
England has witnessed most ups and downs in the World Cup 2011. In the World Cup Opener, they faced Netherlands and Dutch team scored mammoth 292 against the English Side.
In the Second match of the Group B, they played a tie game against India followed by humiliating defeat against minnows Ireland.
However, nothing is lost for England in this World Cup but they have made their way rather complex. They have played three matches and have just three points. England has been playing South Africa on Sunday. Later, they will play West Indies and Bangladesh.
The confidence level of England team has been severely dented by Kevin O’Brien’s brilliant knock (113 off 63 balls). It will not be a cakewalk for England to win their three remaining games. Andrew Strauss-led English side needs two victories to secure the quarterfinal berth.
As far as England vs South Africa match is concerned, Proteas have registered clinical victories in their two first games against West Indies and Netherlands.
South Africa is one of the strong sides in this World Cup. It will be a big task for Coach Andy Flower and skipper Strauss to defeat South Africa here at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Cheapuk in Chennai.
Despite of chasing big total and scoring over 300 marks in the last three games, England’s middle order is struggling. The toothless bowling attack is another area of concern for the English team.
On the other hand, South African pacers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel are firing with full cylinder and inclusion of Imran Tahir has added additional variety in their bowling department.
In batting department, AB de Villiers is carrying his superb form in the prestigious tournament. He scored two consecutive hundred against West Indies and Netherlands.
Stats:
England has one reason to cheer that they defeated South Africa 2-1 in their last series in 2009-10.
In the 2007 World Cup, South Africa thrashed England by nine wickets.
Team report:
English pacer James Anderson has been struggling with form and it is expected that Ajmal Shahzad may replace him in the final XI.
South Africa may rest Robin Peterson to include experienced Johan Botha in the side.
Pitch report:
The pitch at Cheapuk stadium is believed to be a batting friendly track but it also helps spinners as the game progresses. Team should bat first after winning the toss.
Favourites: South Africa born English player Kevin Pietersen will prove instrumental against Proteas.

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