New Delhi: South African pacer Lungi Ngidi took what could be called the ‘Catch of the Tournament’ during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against England (ENG vs SA). The breathtaking moment came in the 26th over when Jamie Overton attempted a flick off Kagiso Rabada’s delivery. The ball soared into the air, traveling behind Ngidi, who was stationed at mid-on. Sprinting backward while maintaining perfect balance, Ngidi made a spectacular grab, leaving fans and experts in awe.
England’s Struggles Continue
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, England had a dreadful start. Opener Phil Salt fell in the very first over, setting the tone for their struggle. Lungi Ngidi’s exceptional catch accounted for Jamie Overton, marking England’s seventh wicket at a mere 129 runs.
England, already eliminated from the Champions Trophy, failed to turn things around in their final match. The batting lineup crumbled under pressure, with key players failing to make an impact. Salt (8), Ben Duckett (24), Jamie Smith (0), Harry Brook (19), and Liam Livingstone (9) all faltered. Surprisingly, tailender Jofra Archer (25) ended up as one of the team’s top scorers, preventing England from collapsing under 150.
End of an Era for Jos Buttler?
This match marks Jos Buttler’s final appearance as England’s ODI captain. Following a disappointing campaign, Buttler had already announced his decision to step down from captaincy. In his farewell game, he managed just 21 runs, failing to deliver a substantial performance.
South Africa Eyeing Semi-Final Berth
For South Africa, this game is crucial in determining their semi-final path. At the time of writing, England had reached 157/7 in 31 overs. If South Africa secures a victory, they will finish at the top of the Champions Trophy group stage standings. This would set up a semi-final clash on March 5 against the losing side from the India vs New Zealand match.
What a Catch 🌟 — Take a bow Lungi Ngidi 👍 #iccchampionstrophy2025 #ENGvSA #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/Tn2PmI71d6
— Cricket _talks (@Cric_nzz) March 1, 2025
With South Africa in firm control of the game, they look poised to march into the knockout stage with confidence. England, on the other hand, will exit the tournament with yet another underwhelming performance.