ICC World Cup 2019 opener has entertained the cricket fans across the world. The hosts England were at their rampant best against South Africa. The transition can be clearly seen in this edition after their horrible performances in 2015.
Having won the toss, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis decided to field first. Imran Tahir became the first spinner ever to bowl the first over in a World Cup event. And the veteran repaid the faith by picking out dangerous Jonny Bairstow in the very first over. But Jason Roy and Joe Root stitched a century stand for the second stand.
Although the duo were dismissed in quick succession, skipper Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes had come to the rescue. Both the left handed batsmen managed another century stand between them. They ensured there is no hiccups in their innings during the middle overs.
Stokes Shine With Bat
Even though there has not been much contribution from the lower middle order, Ben Stokes continued his knock very well. With no pressure, he made an impressive 89 runs from just 79 balls. England eventually managed 311/8 in their 50 overs.
Lungi Ngidi managed three wickets, while Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada managed a couple each. Asked to chase 312, South Africa had lost Hashim Amla as the batsman was injured. But wickets fell continuously and no batsmen were able to support Quinton de Kock. Rassie van der Dussen helped de Kock during their 87 run stand. But once the duo were dismissed, South Africa innings was completely shattered.
The Proteas batting lineup bundled out for just 207 in under 40 overs. Quinton de Kock remained their top scorer with an impressive 68 runs from 74 balls. On the other hand, Rassie van der Dussen also managed to get a half century. Ben Stokes had a wonderful day on the field. After his impressive batting display, the southpaw picked up a blinder of a catch with a single hand at deep mid wicket.
Also, he was quite successful with the ball picking up 2 wickets. Jofra Archer impressed with 3 wickets to his name. England managed to win by 104 runs made a statement.
Here is how Twitter reacted to England’s win
GOT EM! | TAHIR STRIKES EARLY
In only the 3⃣rd time that @ImranTahirSA has opened the bowling for the Proteas & Immy gets one in the 1⃣st over.
He's away on his customary celebratory run!#CWC19 Inspire #ProteaFire #ENGvSA
ENG 1/1 after 0.3 overs pic.twitter.com/eArGvm1z25
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) May 30, 2019
Faf is currently the most dynamic fielders in the Protean squad.
What a catch!#ENGvSA— Vaishnavi Deepak (@KindaVaisWoman) May 30, 2019
No pressure, Ben Stokes #bbccricket
— Ben Wire (@BenWire1) May 30, 2019
Faf missed a trick. Tahir should have bowled one over. Job done. #ENGvSA
— Braai_King Bad (@BraaiKing_Bad) May 30, 2019
22nd ODI fifty for Quinton de Kock, his second in World Cup games
QDK's last seven ODI innings
83(58)
81(72)
94(70)
121(108)
51(57)
6(14)
50(58)*#ENGvSA #CWC19 #WeAreEngland #ProteaFire https://t.co/lpjbibNWeM— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 30, 2019
Inject this catch from Ben Stokes into my veins and I will live forever #ENGvSA #CricketWorldCup #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/gf4oifzlze
— Guy Morris (@Guy_Morris) May 30, 2019
That, right there, is one of the best catches you will ever see from Ben Stokes. #CWC19 #ENGvSA #ENGvsRSA #WorldCup2019 #ICCWorldCup2019 #ICCWC2019 pic.twitter.com/hQLOUydrKD
— Michael Randall (@MickRandallHS) May 30, 2019
Have you seen a better catch this year? #ENGvSA #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/EV70z3bykH
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 30, 2019
Allez Allez Allez… ?
Jofra moved to England
The Army were in luck
He got his residency
The selectors called him up…
They gave him a few overs
And said we’ve seen enough
He’s going in the fifteen
To win us the World Cup
Allez allez allez….✍️ @JamieHutch1
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) May 30, 2019
Afraid South Africa never really recovered from Jofra Archer's opening spell. My man of the match. Powerful performance from England.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 30, 2019
Biggest defeats in WC for SA:
130 vs Ind, MCG 2015
104 vs Eng, Oval 2019 **
83 vs Aus, Basseterre 2007
67 vs Ban, Providence 2007#ENGvSA #CWC19— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) May 30, 2019
I can be positive about almost anything to do with #CWC19 but Cricket's Coming Home is fucking grim.
— Adam Collins (@collinsadam) May 30, 2019
89 with the bat
2-12 with the ball
2 catches
1 run-outThe MOTM decision this evening is not a difficult one. #CWC19 #ENGvSA ? pic.twitter.com/GpmNp0N6FO
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) May 30, 2019