England slumped to an alarming fifth consecutive defeat in the one-day series against South Africa, losing the series with one match still to play.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the English side, who had been in a strong position to win the series after taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
However, South Africa have been in inspired form in the last three matches, winning all three to take an unassailable 3-2 lead in the series.
The latest defeat was a particularly galling one for England, as they had looked to be in a strong position to win the match after posting a competitive total of 305-7 in their 50 overs.
However, South Africa’s batsmen rose to the challenge, with Quinton de Kock leading the way with a superb century. He was ably supported by Faf du Plessis, who scored a half-century, and Rassie van der Dussen, who scored a crucial fifty.
The South African bowlers then put in a disciplined performance to restrict England to just 248-9 in their 50 overs, with Chris Morris taking three wickets and Lungi Ngidi two.
The defeat means that England have now lost five matches in a row in the one-day series, a run of form that will be a cause for concern for the team’s management.
England will now look to salvage some pride in the final match of the series, which takes place on Sunday.
The defeat will also be a cause for concern for the England selectors, who will now have to consider whether changes are needed to the team’s line-up ahead of the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
England will be hoping to put this disappointing run of form behind them and get back to winning ways in the final match of the series.
