England will take on South Africa in the 20th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on October 21st. This will be the 8th World Cup meeting between the two cricketing heavyweights, with South Africa holding a 5-2 edge historically.
Both teams suffered shocking defeats last time out – England lost to Afghanistan while South Africa were stunned by Netherlands. The winner of this contest will join New Zealand in securing a semi-final spot. The loser could face a tough road to qualification.
England and South Africa have had seesaw battles over the years. South Africa did beat England 2-1 in their most recent ODI series at home in the beginning of this year. But England possess the firepower to beat any side on their day. With so much at stake, expect a thrilling shootout between two championship contenders.
Bet on Australia at odds 1.77 at 1xBet>> (Use 1xBet promo code BANGVIP for an exclusive offer.)
Bet on Pakistan at odds 2.10 at Mostbet>> (Use Mostbet promo code MOSTBANG for an exclusive offer.)
England Overview
Defending champions England have struggled for consistency so far barring a win against Bangladesh. Their vaunted batting collapsed against Afghanistan’s spinners while the bowling lacked penetration.
However, the return of Ben Stokes will boost the batting and bowling balance substantially. England possesses the batting firepower to rack up huge totals through the likes of Buttler, Malan, Livingstone and Brook. The bowling also has variety through Rashid, Wood and Curran.
England must be hurting from their loss to Afghanistan. But they know how to peak at major tournaments having won the 2019 crown. The English will be determined to get their spluttering campaign back on track with a win over the Proteas.
South Africa Overview
South Africa would have been distraught after letting victory slip from their grasp against the Netherlands. But this Proteas squad has the quality and experience to put setbacks behind them.
They have batters like De Kock, Markram and Van der Dussen who can single-handedly demolish attacks. Rabada and Nortje provide genuine pace while Shamsi leads a talented spin attack.
South Africa will take confidence from beating England 2-1 in their recent ODI series. But they need their big players to stand up when it matters most.
The Proteas are still well-placed to qualify if they can beat England. But their over-reliance on De Kock and Rabada remains a concern. If the likes of Markram and Ngidi can support the senior pros, South Africa have the ammunition to go deep into the tournament.
England vs South Africa Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for England:
- Jonny Bairstow
- Dawid Malan
- Joe Root
- Ben Stokes
- Harry Brook
- Jos Buttler (c) (wk)
- Liam Livingstone
- Sam Curran
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
- Reece Topley
Expected Starting XI for South Africa:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Keshav Maharaj
- Gerald Coetzee
- Lungi Ngidi
England will be boosted by Ben Stokes returning in place of Moeen Ali. South Africa should field an unchanged XI after losing just one game.
Both teams have strong batting lineups till number 7 and an excellent pace-spin balance. Expect a cracker of a contest between two evenly-matched sides.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
England vs South Africa Head-to-Head
In ODIs, South Africa edges England with a 33-30 win-loss record from 69 completed matches between them. South Africa has also won 5 of their 7 meetings at Neutral venues like India.
However, England drawn 1-1 (3) in their last ODI series played at home in 2022. England’s batting firepower has often proved too hot for the Proteas to handle over the years.
In World Cups, England holds a 4-3 advantage thanks to victories in 1992, 2011, and 2019. However, South Africa last won their meeting at the 2007 World Cup.
South Africa’s potent pace attack led by the likes of Donald, Pollock, Ntini and Steyn has rattled England frequently. But England’s star-studded batting has also demolished South Africa’s bowling over the decades.
This is shaping up to be another classic contest between two evenly-matched rivals. Considering the Proteas’ recent win in England, they have the edge. But the English can never be written off in major tournaments.
Weather & Pitch Report
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai generally produces batting-friendly conditions. The weather will be humid with temperatures around 30-32 deg Celsius on matchday.
The pitch has an even grass covering and usually favors strokeplay. The ball comes nicely onto the bat allowing shot-making. Dew may come into play in the second innings making gripping the ball difficult for bowlers.
With shorter square boundaries and the likelihood of dew, expect a very high-scoring shootout on the cards. Teams will look to bat aggressively and attack the bowling from the word go. Anything around 280-300 could be par batting first.
The key will be to preserve wickets in the middle overs before launching an all-out assault in the death overs. Variation and discipline will be vital for bowlers on this surface.
Considering the batting-friendly conditions, the match should heavily favor the batters. Fans could be treated to an entertaining run-fest between two power-packed teams.
England vs South Africa Match Prediction
This promises to be an epic clash between two cricketing heavyweights. Considering home advantage and momentum, South Africa might start as marginal favorites.
South Africa’s batting runs very deep with the likes of De Kock, Markram and Miller in sublime form. Their bowling also has variety through Rabada, Nortje and Maharaj.
But England possesses an equally power-packed batting unit full of firebrands like Buttler, Stokes and Livingstone. Their bowling attack also has the skills to strike early led by Wood and Rashid.
Both teams are evenly matched on paper with batting might and bowling variety. The key will be adapting better to the surface conditions. The team winning the toss could opt to chase considering the dew factor.
Expect plenty of twists and turns before either team clinches a close win. But South Africa should just about edge England in another World Cup thriller.
Prediction: South Africa to beat England by 2-3 runs in a contest that could go down to the wire.
England vs South Africa Betting Tips
Quinton de Kock’s form makes him a good pick for top match scorer. Consider betting on him crossing 80+ runs. Rassie van der Dussen also warrants a wager for highest run-scorer given his consistency. Jos Buttler is due for a big knock. Back him strongly to be England’s top scorer.
Bet on over 20+ boundaries and 10+ sixes being hit overall considering the venue.
With batting conditions, consider betting on over 549.5 total runs in the match.
Given the dew factor, the team chasing has a clear edge.
This match promises to be a nail-biter. South Africa have the bowling edge which could be decisive. Expect them to just sneak a win in the end.
Bet on above 549.5 total runs at Parimatch at odds 1.96>>
If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
