LONDON – Barbadian fast bowling sensation Jofra Archer made a dream World Cup debut yesterday, snatching three wickets in a hostile display to help propel England to a 104-run victory over South Africa in their tournament opener at the Oval.
Showing little signs of nerves in only his fourth One-Day International, the 24-year-old finished with three for 27 from seven overs as the hosts successfully defended their 311 for eight.
Fellow pacers Ben Stokes (2-12) and Liam Plunkett (2-37) also made telling strikes, sending South Africa tumbling to 207 all out in the 40th over.
Opener Quinton de Kock topscored with 68 off 74 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen got 50 off 61 balls, but the Proteas crashed from a position of 129 for two in the 23rd over, losing their last eight wickets for 72 runs. (CMC)
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