In the 14-year-long history of the T20 World Cup, no side has ever won a championship unbeaten and hence, it was argued that the Eoin Morgan-led England were in for a loss somewhere in the Super 12 stage.
They have been the best team of the tournament so far but they suffered a loss at the hands of South Africa who showed more firepower with the bat and incisiveness with the ball.
South Africa batsmen were cautious at the start and did not throw their wickets in the powerplay, something that has been touted as England's biggest strength with the ball so far in the tournament.
England pacer Mark Wood has emphasised exactly that point after their loss against SA and has argued that this should keep England grounded in the tournament. He said that although England would have loved to win all their games, the loss against would not come as a big setback. Instead, the defeat that he referred to as “bump” will compel England to iron out whatever chinks they have in their armour.
"South Africa played really well - they only lost two wickets and we're not used to that - we're used to getting wickets in the powerplay and controlling the game from there. We were maybe off the pace, so we've got to work on things in training and be better next game. It's nice to be back, but it's better when you win."
"It's a shame we've lost the game, that brings us down to earth with a bit of a bump," said Wood. "It keeps us grounded and we know we've got some stuff to work on. You never want to lose. We're not used to losing and usually when we do, we bounce back well. I think it's just a lesson that we've got plenty to work on.
England are through to the semi-finals and will wait for the game between New Zealand and Afghanistan to end to find out who will their opponent be in the semi-final.