Resolute Root helps England script record World T20 chase!

In what turned out to be a remarkable run chase, England defeated South Africa by two wickets to stay alive in the ICC World T20 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai today. Chasing a mammoth 230 runs, Joe Root slammed a brilliant 83(44b, 6*4, 4*6) as England held their nerve to upset the South Africans. England needed a good start and their openers did exactly the same as they smoked the white ball all over the park.

The fifty was up by the end of second over as Jason Roy and Alex Hales punctured the South African opening bowling pair of Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn. Roy(43, 16b, 5*4, 3*6) was severe on the bowlers as England were off to a dream start.

Although South Africa was successful in removing the openers, Root with a positive mindset continued the charge as the others chipped in with quick runs.

Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan and Jose Buttler all played short yet effective cameos as Southe Africa were up for a leather hunt. A resolute Root was at his very best as he dispatched the South African bowlers all-round the park.

Batting with a most matured head, Root anchored a magnificent run chase as England kept their chances alive in this World Cup. Anything short was dispatched over the mid-wicket and anything full was driven down and over the ground as South Africa failed to stop the run flow.

The start was crucial for England and having got the platform, Root and co. expressed on a batting paradise to flatten the South Africans.

Earlier, Quinton De Kock and Hashim Amla struck half centuries at the top while JP Duminy provided the late assault as South Africa posted a massive 229/4.

England were on the receiving end of a brutal onslaught from West Indies opener Chris Gayle during wednesday's defeat when their spinners struggled to grip the wet ball and that prompted captain Eoin Morgan to field after winning the toss.

But Amla(58) and De Kock(52) continued to torment the English bowlers, plundering 96 runs of 7 overs during an explosive opening stand.

South Africa, one of the favorites to win the tournament, opted to use Amla and De Kock as openers and it proved to be the right decision from the onset.

De Kock, who thrashed David Willey for 20 in the 3rd over hit seven fours and three sixes during his 24-ball knock before he fell to off-spinner Moeen Ali.

Amla, who was dropped on nine by Reece Topley of Ali, hit an identical number of boundaries before falling to the off-spinner.

Duminy(54 not out) and David Miller(28 not out) provided the finishing touches for South Africa with an unbroken 5th wicket stand of 60.

England paceman Chris Jordan conceded four fours and a six in the fifth over and finished with figures of 0-49 in three overs. Topley  gave away 33 runs in his two overs.

At the end of the first half, the England fans felt they were let down. However, at the end, Root emerged as their hero who saved England from being knocked out.