WEBDESK: South Africa will be looking to seal their semi-final spot in the Champions Trophy in their match against England on Saturday at National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
With just one semi-final spot up for grabs, both Afghanistan and South Africa are still in contention for the spot. Afghanistan sharing points with Australia after their game was washed out on Friday means that they are still in the race for the final four. However, South Africa who have the same points as Afghanistan, still hold the advantage because of their higher Net Run Rate (NRR).
A win against England will be enough to seal the semi-final spot for South Africa. However, England who have lost both of their games at the Champions Trophy will be looking to close out the tournament with at least one win.
Having lost to Australia and Afghanistan, England come into the SA vs ENG game on the back of Jos Butler stepping down as captain in the white-ball formats.
Recent form
South Africa: While South Africa are in the driving seat to progress to the semi-finals of the tournament, it hasn’t always been as easy for them this year. Their match against Australia was washed out due to rain and before that they defeated Afghanistan by 107 runs in their first game. That victory ended a run of six straight defeats in the One Day International (ODI) format.
England: It has gone from bad to worse for England as they are out of contention for the semi-final spot after losing back to back games in Lahore. They have no doubt been competitive but that final finishing touch has eluded them.
Player spotlight for the SA vs ENG game
South Africa: Temba Bavuma
Given England’s recent struggles with closing out games, captaincy and strategy will be key for Bavuma and his side in the SA vs ENG game. Field placements and bowling strategies will be key for the South African side and as always, Temba Bavuma also remains a key player for South Africa’s batting lineup.
England: Jos Butler
The pressure has well and truly been applied to Jos Butler after his team’s loss to Afghanistan. As a result of the loss, he stepped down from his role as captain in the white-ball formats but either way, he’s someone who will be desperate to perform in the SA vs ENG game and help England finish the Champions Trophy on a high.
Squads for SA vs ENG game
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch
England: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood
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