Twitter Reactions: South Africa end campaign on a high after Van der Dussen, Rabada’s heroics steal the limelight against England

Match No.39 of the T20 World Cup 2021 between South Africa and England turned out to be a humdinger. In a high-scoring game, there was a lot of twists and turns, but in the end, the Proteas got over the line and won by 10 runs. But despite the win, they couldn’t qualify for the semis. Australia and England have qualified for the semis, leaving behind Temba Bavuma’s men.

Van der Dussen, Markram blaze away

After being put in to bat first, South Africa found themselves in trouble as Moeen Ali cleaned up opener Reeza Hendricks. But from there on, the Proteas fired on all cylinders and racked up 189 for two. They were a little circumspect in the powerplay, scoring 40 runs, but stepped on the gas after getting the measure of the conditions and opposition bowling. Quinton de Kock looked ominous.

The southpaw scored 34 off 27 before Adil Rashid accounted for his wicket. He was also involved in a handy 71-run stand along with Rassie van der Dussen. Thereafter, van der Dussen and Aiden Markram put on 103 runs for the third wicket. Markram was at his aggressive best, racking up 52 off 25. Van Der Dussen, on the other hand, stayed not out on 94 off 60 with five fours and six sixes.

Rabada comes to the party

Jason Roy and Jos Buttler took the Brits off to a blistering start, putting on 38 for the opening wicket. Roy made a 15-ball 20 before he had to retire hurt after facing issue with his left leg/hamstring. Buttler, at the other end, looked ominous. He scored 26 off 15 before Anrich Nortje pinned him. The Three Lions notched 59 runs in the powerplay and looked to be on the driver’s seat in the run-chase.

Moeen Ali scored 37 before Tabraiz Shami dismissed him. Shamsi also sent back Jonny Bairstow, who couldn’t get going. Dawid Malan couldn’t quite get going after perishing for 33. Liam Livingstone hit Kagiso Rabada for three sixes to bring the game in England’s favour. He scored 28 before Dwaine Pretorius dismissed him. Thereafter, Kagiso Rabada’s hat-trick denied England a victory.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to South Africa’s win

It's confirmed now, Australia are through to the semis. Brave effort by South Africa, fantastic win against England but while they didn’t qualify to the semis, they should be proud at the way they are progressing as a team. #ENGvSA #T20WorldCup

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 6, 2021

The Proteas played a great game today 👏🏼 Brilliant in fact to beat the tournament favourites 🏏

— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) November 6, 2021

Rabada hit for 6s of first three balls previous over picks up hat trick with first 3 balls of the next over. Game of glorious uncertainties! Good win by SA, gave Australia palpitations for the better part of the match

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) November 6, 2021

Australia chased 74 in 6.2 overs
India chased 86 in 6.3 overs

South Africa took 13.3 overs to chase down 85. Had they chased it inside 7.5 overs, they would have qualified instead of Australia. Certainly wasn't an improbable equation.#ENGvSA https://t.co/t3F2G8EE4u

— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) November 6, 2021

May not have qualified for the semis, but South Africa have come a long way this World Cup. A long way from the where’s Faff and AB chat. Can depend on this core for a solid future. Wish them luck. #ENGvSA

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) November 6, 2021

To finish with 4 wins from 5 in a fickle format like T20 and not qualify for the semis seems a tad hard to digest. I had SA in my top 4 over Aus since they had the right set of players and skills for these conditions. Should have finished the BNG game a bit earlier in hindsight

— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) November 6, 2021

Proud of you manne!

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 6, 2021

Sadly, #SouthAfrica won the battle but lost the war!#T20WorldCup21#T20WorldCup#ENGvSA #SAvsENG

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 6, 2021

Well played, South Africa – 4 wins from five matches in Super 12 – only lose was against Australia in the final over – they should be proud of their performance – it was total team work. Well lead by Bavuma.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 6, 2021

England's loss to South Africa means that #Pakistan is the only unbeaten team at the T20 World Cup #Cricket #T20WorldCup

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) November 6, 2021

Third hat-trick of the tournament! By Kagiso Rabada, Wanindu Hasaranga and Curtis Campher. In six ICC men's T20 World Cups before, there was only one hat-trick [by Brett Lee in 2007].

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 6, 2021

Under an impressive leader. Watch out for them next World Cup. All the best SA #ENGvSA https://t.co/hqEwX9Rk75

— Isa Guha (@isaguha) November 6, 2021

Kagiso Rabada is the first South African bowler to achieve this feat in T20 World Cups.

📸: Disney+Hotstar#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/kY1nKzrfcF

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) November 6, 2021

Just saying again @Rassie72 is good enough sorry too good not to feature in the IPL

— Prasanna (@prasannalara) November 6, 2021