ICC World Cup 2019: Match 1, England vs South Africa - Twitter Reacts as England Begin Their World Cup in Style Beating South Africa in the Opener

England produced a clinical effort to beat South Africa by 104 runs in the ICC World Cup 2019 opener at the Kennington Oval in London to make an outstanding start to their campaign. South Africa succumbed to 207 after a terrific opening spell from Jofra Archer in pursuit of 312 runs set by England.

England get off to a winning start

Chasing 312 runs, South Afric received early blow after Jofra Archer hit Hashim Amla on the helmet grill forcing him to retire hurt. The Barbados-born fast bowler finally provided the breakthrough in the eight over removing Aiden Markram.  Archer was all over South Africa’s batters as he undid Faf du Plessis with extra pace. Since then, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen stitched a good partnership to bail out the Proteas. In the process, de Kock reached his individual fifty before Liam Plunkett got the better of him.

Also read: Watch: Ben Stokes Pulls Off Arguably The Greatest Catch Of All Time

Once de Kock got out, it was a downward slide for South Africa. Moeen Ali got JP Duminy out before Jofra Archer removed van de Dussen to have South Africa at 167 for six. Hashim Amla returned to the crease and tried to stitch a partnership with Andile Phehlukwayo but Ben Stokes was from a different planet today as he wrapped up the Proteas innings in style.

Previously, half-centuries from Jason Roy, Eoin Morgan, and Ben Stokes powered England to post a 300+ total. The middle-over partnerships, though, have powered them to over 300 for the fifth consecutive time this year. Stokes top-scored with 89 but he couldn’t quite provide the finish England have been used to. South Africa adapted well, using the slower balls to good effect. picked the crucial wicket of Joe Root but it was Ngidi who shone through, picking three well-timed wickets.

Also read:ICC World Cup 2019: Sachin Tendulkar Picks Overseas Players to Watch Out

However, it was Imran Tahir who provided the early impetus removing Jonny Bairstow in the second ball of the match. In the process, Tahir became the first spinner to bowl the first over of the World Cup opener. Roy and Root steadied the innings but South Africa bowlers kept coming back at the England batsmen and chipped in with wickets to halt the free flow of runs. But Stokes stormed back to form to play a good knock to help his side post a challenging total on the scoreboard.

Twitter Reactions

No question….. @JofraArcher will be one of the 1st names on the Team sheet for the 1st #Ashes Test …… #JustSaying #OnOn

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 30, 2019

Amla’s injury big blow to SA. Not been in top form recently but his experience would have been in holdin top order together. Loose have cost too many wickets to help England take strong grip on match

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 30, 2019

England started as a favourite and Archer’s addition has just added further to their chances… #CWC19 #EngvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/ThatoMamathuba/status/1134136606892449795

So far this has been a very very SMART performance by England …. #LoveIt #OnOn #CWC19

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 30, 2019

What an excellent cover drive from Markram. He's a real talent, and I won't be taken aback if he stands out to be the difference maker for South Africa in this World Cup. He must perform, consistently. #ENGvSA

— Gautam Sodhi (@GautamSodhi1) May 30, 2019

Jofra Archer just pinged Amla, one of the world’s best batsmen, straight in the head with a rapid bouncer. Thankfully the helmet saved serious injury but he’s had to go off. England must now pick @JofraArcher for The Ashes, surely? He’s dangerously good. pic.twitter.com/9Lc0PVJyBs

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 30, 2019

Already Archer showing his value and class. And pace. There was never any doubt about his presence. He could play a big part in this World Cup.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 30, 2019

I think this Archer guy should come back to his African roots… Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana? Don't you want to recall our brother, his making a mockery of us… he needs to stop now! ??? #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/LW4fl2lfsV

— Mmalefu Mosadi wa Mokoena Mame Cobra le Dimphoza (@bessievanderb) May 30, 2019

Afraid South Africa never really recovered from Jofra Archer's opening spell. My man of the match. Powerful performance from England.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 30, 2019

Jofra Archer releasing the Ball like an Archer releasing Arrow. ?#ENGvSA #SAvENG #CWC19 #CricketWorldCup19

— SatwikMathangi (@seven_week) May 30, 2019

SA's batting was vulnerable, but this effort has been particularly disappointing: neither head nor heart

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 30, 2019

SA's batting was vulnerable, but this effort has been particularly disappointing: neither head nor heart

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/PeteRansom/status/1134130268862894081

Love this guy – he’s England cricket’s new superstar. ⁦@JofraArcher⁩ #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/NJdQHWXgEZ

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) May 30, 2019

https://twitter.com/vaibhavbarange/status/1134120237694181376