England have reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, despite suffering a 10-run defeat to South Africa in Sharjah.
While the Proteas came out on top in a high-scoring contest, England suffered a bigger blow with Jason Roy suffering a calf injury which will almost certainly keep him out of competition.
Having won the toss, England would have fancied their chances of once again excelling with the ball, and taking the early wicket of Reeza Hendricks (2) set them on their way.
However, despite that dismissal, South Africa completely dominated the remainder of the innings, Quinton de Kock the only other batsman out for 34 from 27 balls.
Van der Russen had found some rhythm in partnership with the opener, but he really came to the fore during the second half of the innings, eventually hitting an unbeaten 94 from just 60 balls.
At the other end, Aiden Markram pummelled 52 from 25 deliveries, the pair putting on 103 for the third wicket as the Proteas finished 189-2 off their 20 overs.
In reply, England were cruising along at 38-0 when Roy, unbeaten on 20, pulled up with a calf injury, severe enough to likely keep him out of the rest of the tournament.
There were fireworks from Jos Buttler before he was out for 26, and Jonny Bairstow soon followed for one as England were reduced to 59-2.
Moeen Ali, who had replaced Roy, smashed 37 off 27 balls before holing out to a boundary fielder, but England were far from done as Dawid Malan (33) went on the offensive, leaving England requiring 65 from the last five overs.
Liam Livingstone hit three mammoth sixes before succumbing for 28 off 17, but only Eoin Morgan (17) offered any further resistance as England were restricted to 179/8 off their allocated overs.
Despite the triumph, South Africa, who had Kagiso Rabada take a hat-trick in the last over, miss out on the semi-finals having been required to restrict their opponents to 132.
Darren Plant
