DELHI – South Africa produced a stunning performance in their crucial World Cup match against defending champions England, setting a record by posting a colossal total of 399-7 in Mumbai on Saturday.
This remarkable achievement marked the highest total ever conceded by England in a one-day international.
The previous record was held by New Zealand, who scored 398-5 against England at The Oval in 2015.
Heinrich Klaasen played a pivotal role in South Africa’s outstanding performance, battling through pain and cramps to score a brilliant century.
Despite facing physical discomfort on a hot and humid day at the Wankhede Stadium, Klaasen achieved his fourth ODI century in just 61 balls. His superb innings included 12 fours and four sixes.
Klaasen’s efforts were finally halted when he was bowled out by Gus Atkinson in the last over, finishing with 109 runs.
Klaasen found excellent support from Marco Jansen, who contributed an impressive 75 not out.
Jansen, primarily known as a left-arm fast bowler, delivered his maiden ODI fifty and played a crucial role in a 151-run sixth-wicket partnership with Klaasen.
The South African team was looking to recover from a shocking loss to the Netherlands and took control of the match, scoring 143 runs in the last 10 overs.
Although Reece Topley managed to take three wickets, he conceded 88 runs in 8.5 overs.
Mark Wood, one of England’s fast bowlers, was also expensive, giving away 76 runs in his seven-over spell, despite not securing any wickets.
The South African innings began with the early dismissal of Quinton de Kock, caught behind off the second ball.
However, Reeza Hendricks, called in as a late replacement for Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, made an impactful return, scoring 85 runs and forming a crucial second-wicket partnership of 121 runs with Rassie van der Dussen, who contributed 60 runs.
Leg-spinner Adil Rashid managed to remove both Van der Dussen and Hendricks, as England aimed to regain their footing in the World Cup after a surprising loss to Afghanistan in their previous match.
South Africa’s momentum peaked as Jansen hit two consecutive sixes off Topley’s full-toss deliveries.
England welcomed back Ben Stokes for his first appearance in the tournament following a hip injury.
South Africa’s exceptional batting display leaves England with a monumental target to chase down as they strive to get their title defense back on track.
