The ‘choker’ tag returned to haunt South Africa yet again, as England thrashed them to move into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. The Poms will take on the winner of the second semifinal to be held between India and Sri Lanka tomorrow. This is England’s second appearance in the final. As this is the last edition of the Champions Trophy, they would like to end this on a winning note.
Earlier, England won the toss and elected to field first. South Africa managed to score just 175 in 38.4 overs. Peterson (30), du Plessis (26), David Miller (56*) and Kleinveldt (43) were the top scorers. At one stage, the Proteas were 80/8. But, Miller and Kleinveldt added 95 runs for the ninth wicket to add some respectability to the total. Broad and Tredwell took three wickets each. Anderson took two wickets.
England reached the target in 37.3 overs by losing three wickets. Ian Bell (20), Jonathan Trott (82*) and Joe Root (48) were the top contributors. James Tredwell was declared “Man of the Match”.