Chennai : Smarting from the drubbing by minnows Ireland, England were on their elements on Sunday and came back in the campaign as they beat South Africa by six runs in yet another World Cup thriller here.
The low scoring match was full of thrills as England bowlers led by Stuart Broad rose to the occasion to defend their 171 run total.
England top order had collapsed before South African bowling, but then bowling also clinched the match for England.
South Africa were bowled out for 165 runs with 2.2 overs to go.
Stuart Broad took four wickets sparing only 15 runs. Stuart Broad took the last two wickets in only four balls.
Among the South African batsmen only Hashim Amla could score a respectable 42.
“We needed this after our defeat against Ireland. A win is all you need to kick-start things. I hope our campaign is back on track,” England captain Andrew Strauss said at the post-match presentation.
Brief Score:
England 171 (45.4 ov)
South Africa 165 (47.4 ov)
England won by 6 runs