England, in a seemingly hopeless position after being bundled out for 171, snatched a dramatic six-run victory against South Africa in a crucial Group B fixture here on Sunday to keep their hopes alive in the cricket World Cup.

The South Africans, cruising at 63 for no loss at one stage, suffered a middle-order collapse and were eventually all out for 165 in 47.4 overs. Fast bowler Stuart Broad (4-15) gave England hope, dismissing Hashim Amla and veteran Jacques Kallis, reducing South Africa to 82/3. Ab de Villiers (25), with two centuries in this World Cup, and Francois du Plessis put on 42 runs and South Africa looked safe.