In the opening contest of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, England displayed an all-round display, beating South Africa with a huge 104-run margin. It was the day that the English team’s all-rounders shone. Jofra Archer took three wickets and dismantled the batting line-up of the Proteas with his pace, playing in his first World Cup match.
As Faf du Plessis said in his post-match interview, England dominated all three departments especially their fielding was astonishing.
The title of Man of the Match was given to Ben Stokes who pulled off one of the greatest catches of all time as momentum in the middle overs swung England’s way, and he was the bowler to wrap up victory with two wickets in two balls.
Half-centuries earlier from four batsmen, England was guided to a challenging 311/8. Ben Stokes scored 89, skipper Eoin Morgan (57), Jason Roy (54) and Joe Root (51). For South Africa, three England batsmen were dismissed by Lungi Ngidi while two wickets were taken by Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir. After being invited to bat, England had a disastrous start as Tahir sent Jonny Bairstow back in the first over for a golden duck. England innings were then lifted by Roy and Root.
For the second wicket, the duo added 106 runs. Phehlukwayo got rid of Roy in the 19th over after England crossed 100 marks and then Rabada struck in the next over to dismiss Root (51). Then Captain Eoin Morgan took England over 200. Stokes powered hosts up to 311/8 after Tahir got rid of Morgan.
Because of their unrelenting batting line-up, England was billed as pre-tournament favorites and that reputation should now grow because they showed they can adapt to conditions when they are not 500-ish.
Official Match Highlights by ICC:
