England snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a six-run World Cup win over South Africa in their Group B clash at Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.
England were bowled out for 171 in 45.4 overs after captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and elected to bat.
South Africa appeared to be coasting in reply at 124-3, but lost four wickets for three runs in five overs.
Fast bowler Stuart Broad then took two wickets in four balls to finish with figures of 4-15 as South Africa fell for 165 with 14 balls left.
An eighth victory in nine completed matches against South Africa should help England take one of the four quarter-final berths in Group B.
Reflecting on the victory - and its effect on England's campaign - Strauss said: "The guys showed a lot of fight and we had to respond well in the second innings. This puts us back on track in the World Cup and it couldn't come a day too soon."
"We're delighted with the win and we have high hopes of achieving a great thing. We still need to learn some lessons, but we got away with a win and a win is all you need to kickstart things and get it going," he added.
With three games remaining, South Africa, too, are almost certain to advance.
England were bowled out for 171 in 45.4 overs after captain Andrew Strauss won the toss and elected to bat.
South Africa appeared to be coasting in reply at 124-3, but lost four wickets for three runs in five overs.
Fast bowler Stuart Broad then took two wickets in four balls to finish with figures of 4-15 as South Africa fell for 165 with 14 balls left.
An eighth victory in nine completed matches against South Africa should help England take one of the four quarter-final berths in Group B.
Reflecting on the victory - and its effect on England's campaign - Strauss said: "The guys showed a lot of fight and we had to respond well in the second innings. This puts us back on track in the World Cup and it couldn't come a day too soon."
"We're delighted with the win and we have high hopes of achieving a great thing. We still need to learn some lessons, but we got away with a win and a win is all you need to kickstart things and get it going," he added.
With three games remaining, South Africa, too, are almost certain to advance.
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