England started their 2019 World Cup campaign as hosts with a commanding 104-run win against South Africa. The chase became difficult for South Africa after Hashim Amla was forced to leave the field due to a painful blow from a Jofra Archer bouncer. Despite the collapse around him, Quintin de Kock remained defiant, continuing to attack the bowling.
Captain Faf du Plessis and Aiden Markram both fell early, leaving the team in a precarious position. Rassie van der Dussen, batting at five, became the anchor of the innings, working in tandem with de Kock to keep South Africa competitive through a composed and steady partnership.
The dismissal of de Kock for 68 proved to be the turning point, effectively killing South Africa's momentum. From that point on, the team struggled to regain composure as wickets dropped frequently. A short, late burst of runs from Andile Phehlukwayo failed to change the outcome, and the innings ended at 207. Looking back to the start of the day, Faf du Plessis won the toss and opted to bat. The early stages were promising, with a 100-run partnership and two half-centuries being recorded.
South Africa's bowlers managed to claw their way back into the game by claiming two key wickets in short order. Ben Stokes and captain Eoin Morgan—who was marking his 200th ODI match—started their stand slowly before finding their rhythm. Nevertheless, the South African bowling attack remained disciplined, taking regular wickets and preventing England from scoring too freely.
