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South Africa vs England Prediction & Betting Tips - ICC Champions Trophy
by Sridhar | in ICC Champions Trophy Predictions
South Africa will look to confirm their place in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals as they take on an already-eliminated England. This match, which is the last Group B match, will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, and our prediction is a win for South Africa.
The Proteas have three points and a positive run rate of 2.140 after two matches: a 107-run win over Afghanistan and an abandoned match against Australia. They are guaranteed a top-two spot if this match is abandoned. They are almost certain to qualify as group winners, thanks to their superior net run rate.
England are already out of the knockout race after losing both their matches in the tournament: by five wickets against Australia and by eight runs against Afghanistan.
With the squad morale at an all-time low after a disastrous performance against the Afghans, England face a tough time lifting themselves up against a confident South African side.
Will the Proteas pile on more pressure on England with a win? Can England play for pride and win here to complicate South Africa’s chances? Read further to find our analysis and predictions.
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South Africa - England: Form Analysis
South Africa started with a 107-run win over Afghanistan in Karachi last Friday. Their next match against Australia was abandoned due to rain, leaving them with three points and a very healthy net run rate of +2.140.
The Proteas didn’t have an ideal preparation for this tournament, losing both their matches in the tri-series to Pakistan and New Zealand. In fact, they had lost six matches in a row before this tournament began.
That’s not a massive concern for the South Africans, though, who fielded second-string sides in those matches. One has to go back to the 2023 ODI World Cup when South Africa consistently played with their regulars. They had seven wins from ten matches in that tournament, including a 229-run thrashing handed to England!
South Africa won five of their last six ODIs against England in neutral venues.
That’s a huge positive for the Proteas, as England continue their search for ODI success. The arrival of Brendon McCullum as ODI coach was celebrated with fanfare, but the results haven’t been up to the mark. England lost eight of their last nine ODIs, including six in a row. Worryingly enough, they were blanked 3-0 by India in the lead-up to this tournament in similar conditions.
England’s performances in global tournaments have been a concern for long time and they have lost seven of their last nine matches in ICC tournaments. The only wins came against the Netherlands and Pakistan in this sequence.
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South Africa & England Squad Analysis
England had some injury scares in the match against Afghanistan. Joe Root cramped late in his innings but could be fit for this match. Mark Wood had a leg injury and couldn’t complete his quota of overs, forcing Jos Buttler to use Root and Livingstone late in the innings.
Jamie Smith (24 runs) and Phil Salt (22 runs) have failed to apply themselves, facing a combined 45 balls in this tournament. Tom Banton could fancy a go, replacing one of those two.
Duckett’s form is the only shining glimpse for England.
The aggressive left-handed opener has enjoyed starting briskly at the top, although both his games saw him take advantage of a catch drop. Nevertheless, with 203 runs at a strike rate of 101.50 (21x4 and 3x6), the southpaw could once again be crucial for England’s hopes of a big total.
South Africa had only one game in the tournament, as their match against Australia was washed out. Ryan Rickelton (103 off 106) continued his impressive form in national colours and looked regal as an opener. There were enough runs from the other top-order batters, although David Miller missed out.
Heinrich Klaasen missed out against Afghanistan due to a last-minute injury but will be back in action here. It will be interesting to see who he replaces, with one of Tony de Zorzi or Rassie van der Dussen in danger.
South Africa - England Key Points
- England lost eight of their last nine ODIs.
- England also lost three of their last four ODIs against South Africa.
- In neutral venues, South Africa have won five of their last six ODIs against England.
- In ICC tournaments including the World Cup and Champions Trophy, South Africa have six wins from their last ten ODIs against England.
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Our South Africa vs England Prediction
England have no one but themselves to blame for crashing out of the Champions Trophy knockouts. Their ODI form has been lethargic for a while, and it continued to be appalling in this tournament, underlined by their loss to Afghanistan. South Africa also had a poor run-in to this tournament, although that’s because of their first-choice squad unavailability. The Proteas have looked in perfect touch in their comprehensive win over Afghanistan. They also seem to have the right team for these conditions, and that’s why our South Africa vs England prediction is South Africa wins the match.
South Africa vs England - Other Interesting Predictions
South Africa to score most 6s
The last time these sides met was in the 2023 ODI World Cup, and South Africa comfortably bossed England in the sixes count – 13 vs 9. Even in recent matches that was the case, as South Africa scored more sixes than their opponents in their last four ODIs. This could continue here as well.
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South Africa vs England match : Frequently asked questions
The South Africa v England match will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event in England. It will also be available for streaming on the Sky Sports App.
In South Africa, Super Sport is the official broadcaster and SS Cricket will show the match live while live streaming will be available on SuperSport and DSTV apps.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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