- 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 S༺outh 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 Thur🦋sday, followed by critical encounters꧋ against India and Australia that could ultimately determine their fate.
Topley injury blow
In another setback for England, seamer Reece Top🔴ley 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 favourite🐽s, with bet365 offering 33/1 at the time of writing. The bookie have Indi𝄹a as favourites (evens), ahead of South Africa 9/2 and Australia 4/1.
If bettors think that England can turn thing⛎s 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 btc365login.com.