England revived their madcap World Cup campaign with a dramatic six-run win over South Africa that ended the Proteas’ unbeaten start to the tournament, yesterday.

South Africa, set a seemingly modest 172 for victory, were bowled out for 165 as England, who only days earlier had been beaten by minnows Ireland, won with 14 balls to spare.

Yesterday, the Proteas lost four wickets for three runs to be 127 for seven on a wearing Chidam-baram Stadium pitch having been in control at 75 for one at one point. The defeat is also sure to lead to more debate over their unwanted reputation as World Cup ‘chokers’.

Earlier, South Africa left-arm spinner Robin Peterson took three for 22, including two wickets in the first over of the match to dismiss England openers Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen.

“We didn’t think 170 was as competitive as it should be but it proved to be just that so we’re delighted,” said England spinner Graeme Swann.

“We knew there was a lot in the pitch for us. We knew it would turn, we knew it would keep low for the seamers and we knew how difficult it was to score from when we batted, especially at the end.”

“As it turned out the South African innings almost mirrored our innings. We knew that pressure would build on the later batsmen. It was very hard to score runs at the end.”

Also yesterday, India defeated Ireland by five wickets in a World Cup Group B match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.