The first match of World Cup 2019 has seen a run-fest in the first innings. With England putting up 300+ score on board, South Africa started slowly. But the Proteas were in trouble with Hasim Amla getting injured hurt. This has already made the chase difficult for South Africans.
What happened?
Batting first, England got an initial blow when Jonny Bairstow was out for a duck. But Jason Roy and Joe Root held the innings for England. Both scored half-centuries which gave England a solid base post the shock. Roy scored 54 off 53 and Root accumulated 51 of 59. They added 106 runs before Roy was sent back. Later two more big scorers helped England to put a mammoth score. Eoin Morgan, on his return, scored 57 off 60 and Ben Stokes scored a significant 89 off 79 balls. England finally set a score of 311/8 for South Africa at the end of 50 overs.
While chasing, only fourth over to the innings and South Africa got a blow. Hashim Amla, the opener was retired hurt and had to go back to the pavilion. A bouncer from Jofra Archer hit Amla at the helmet. He was seen rubbing his forehead while walking off the ground. The bounder came at a speed of 144.8kmph. Archer was the last moment recruit by England Cricket Board. Experts already commented on him emerging as the X-factor of the tournament. In fact, England team depend a lot on him in case of running through a line-up. First match and Archer has shown what he is capable of!
Amla Injury Update
Amla was reportedly gone for a check-up. He left the ground with unbeaten five-run against his name. Aiden Markram joined Quinton de Kock who was batting on nine at that moment. Thankfully Amla was back in action after a while although could make only 13 runs. He, with the bat, couldn’t help the team much but his fitness will be a relief to the team South Africa.
Written By Shreyasi Dravid
Also Read: Who will win the ODI World Cup 2019? Here are the top 5 contenders
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