Heinrich Klaasen overcomes Mumbai heat to help South Africa demolish England

• Heinrich Klaasen scored 109 as the physically drained batsman propelledteetering South Africa to 399
• England offered little resistance as they lost four top-order batsmen in the space of eight overs
• South Africa will now be looking good for a first semi-final spot since the 2015 edition in Australia

The Proteas sent a message with another strong batting display.

South Africa came within one run of scoring another mammoth 400, which was always going to be a tough to chase.

The victory leaves South Africa third on the Cricket World Cup log, with England second from bottom and teetering on elimination.

England won the toss and will look back at their decision to bowl first as the moment the game got away from them.

The thick Mumbai air drained the English team out on the field, and had little left when they needed to bat.

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Reeza Hendriks and Rassie van der Dussen began the innings well before Klaasen made his way to the crease.

Klaasen smashed 109 off 67 balls, having to stop several times to rehydrate and recover from the physical strain of playing in uncomfortable conditions.

Marco Jansen finished the innings off with a blistering 75 not out off 42 balls.

In reply, England's top order were blown away by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid offered temporary resistance but it was all in vain as England crumbled 170, a 229 run crushing at the hands of the Proteas.

Awarded man of the match, Klassen said of his gruelling century after the game:

"It's up there with my best ever. The conditions were brutal. It's just pure heat that saps the energy out of you."

Klaasen was happy to share the praise, singling out Marco Jansen, saying the tall fast bowler was the one who deserved the man of the match award.

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World Cup final dress rehearsal

Sports Brief earlier reported on the odds and predictions for the contest between India and New Zealand.

India and New Zealand will put their unbeaten records on the line when they square off in Dharamsala.

India have successfully chased the target in all four of their matches thus far and will look to do the same.