World Cup 2019, Eng vs SA: 3 mistakes which cost South Africa the game

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England vs South Africa

Co-hosts England were branded the heavy favourites coming into the 2019 World Cup. On the other hand, South Africa were not looking in the best shape. Earlier, Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to field first on a slightly slower pitch.

The decision to open the bowling with Imran Tahir worked wonders as the leg-spinner got the wicket of Jonny Bairstow in the first over. Jason Roy and Joe Root built a great partnership for the second wicket before losing their wickets in quick succession. Then, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes stabilized the innings in the middle overs.

South Africa bowled well in the slog overs, but Stokes ensured that England crossed the 300-run mark. The Proteas suffered a blow when Hashim Amla had to leave the field after being hit on the helmet. Quinton de Kock played well but apart from Rassie van der Dussen, no one gave him good enough support.

Eventually, England registered a convincing 104-run win, while South Africa have a lot to think about. Let us look at the three mistakes which cost South Africa the match.

#1 Bringing part-timers against unsettled batsmen

Ben Stokes

When England lost the wickets of Root and Roy in quick succession, the co-hosts seemed to be in a bit of trouble. This brought two new batsmen - Morgan and Stokes at the crease. South Africa should have made full use of that opportunity by putting pressure on these two.

Instead, Du Plessis made a mistake by bowling JP Duminy and Aiden Markram in tandem. This lifted the pressure and allowed both the middle order batsmen to settle. Once they were set, it became difficult to contain them.

If South Africa had picked up another wicket when those two were new at the crease, they could have had an upper hand in the match.

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