- Klaasen and Jansen blow England away
- Buttler`s side slump to record loss
- Topley ruled out for tournament
England’s World Cup title defence hangs in the balance after a devastating 229-run defeat to South Africa in Mumbai. While there’s still a chance for the reigning champions to qualify for the semi-finals, it’s likely they’ll need to win all five of their remaining group matches to secure a spot.
England overwhelmed by Springboks
In a performance marked by illness and injury under scorching conditions, England struggled to contain South Africa, conceding a record-breaking 399-7 in the 50-over game.
Heinrich Klaasen’s blistering 61-ball hundred and Marco Jansen’s explosive 75 from 42 balls left England reeling.
England’s batting lineup faced a similar onslaught, finding themselves at 68-6 and then 100-8. Only a spirited effort from Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson prevented an even more humiliating margin of defeat.
Nonetheless, this loss marks England’s largest in terms of runs in one-day international cricket, with Jos Buttler’s side all out for 170 in just 22 overs.
Their stumbling campaign continues with a face-off against Sri Lanka on Thursday, followed by critical encounters against India and Australia that could ultimately determine their fate.
Topley injury blow
In another setback for England, seamer Reece Topley has been ruled out of the World Cup due to a broken finger, confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Topley sustained the injury while attempting to block a drive during the match against South Africa. Despite his brave return with taped-up fingers, subsequent scans revealed the fracture.
Betting Implications
After being second favourites with the bookies heading into the tournament, England are now sixth favourites, with bet365 offering 33/1 at the time of writing. The bookie have India as favourites (evens), ahead of South Africa 9/2 and Australia 4/1.
If bettors think that England can turn things around then, given the size of their current odds, now might be the time for a speculative punt.
Check out the UK’s best Cricket World Cup betting sites and the best online sportsbooks for cricket with Betting.com.
