England rose to third place in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table with a consolation win in the final ODI of the series against South Africa. The reigning world champions beat the Proteas by 59 runs at the Diamond Oval in a dead rubber on Wednesday (February 1).
This win helped England take ten points in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. After the victory over South Africa, England jumped from fourth to third place in the rankings. The Jos Buttler-led team now has 135 points after 21 games.
On the other hand, South Africa remains ninth in the points table. The Proteas did not score a single point from the game at the Diamond Oval. Temba Bavuma’s team has 79 points after 19 games.
RESULT | ENGLAND WON BY 59 OVERS
🚨 RESULT | ENGLAND WIN BY 59 RUNS Scores at regular intervals stifled the chase as England celebrated victory in the final match #SAVENG Betway ODI Series #BepartofIt https://t.co/BkVAKLds6b
Speaking of the match that took place at the Diamond Oval, South Africa won the toss and decided to field first. Lungi Ngidi got the Proteas off to a dream start by picking up three wickets in the powerplay, but Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan scored hundreds to guide the visitors to a total of 346 runs.
Chasing a lofty target for a clean sweep, the Proteas were bowled out for 287 in 43.1 overs. Heinrich Klaasen scored 80 but his effort was wasted by Jofre Archer who took six wickets.
How can South Africa finish in the top 8 of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table?
South Africa need to finish in the top 8 on the points table to earn direct entry to the 2023 World Cup. They lost their three-match series against Australia but Temba Bavuma’s men still have a couple of home games against the Netherlands.
If the Proteas win those two games, they will finish with 99 points in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. South Africa will then have to hope that Sri Lanka do not beat New Zealand 3-0 in their series in March. If that happens, the Proteas will finish eighth and book their place in the mega event.
Will South Africa finish in the top 8 of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points table? Sound off in the comments below.