NEW DELHI: In the lead-up to a crucial World Cup encounter between England and South Africa, both teams are looking for redemption following surprising losses in their previous matches. The stage is set for a high-stakes battle as both sides aim to regain their footing in the tournament.
South Africa, previously riding high with the highest total of the competition (428/5), shockingly succumbed to the Netherlands in a rain-affected match in Dharamsala, marking their first defeat in the tournament. England, too, faced a daunting challenge when Afghanistan showcased their bowling prowess in Delhi.
Despite England's historical 4-3 World Cup record against South Africa, it is the Proteas who have performed more consistently in this tournament.
South Africa had a blistering start to the competition, securing victories over Australia and Sri Lanka by over 100 runs. However, their recent loss to the Netherlands exposed vulnerabilities under pressure in ICC events.
Nonetheless, South Africa remain confident about their abilities, ready to take on England, who have struggled across various facets of the game, failing to display a cohesive team effort.
England are likely to welcome back their talismanic all-rounder, Ben Stokes, who missed the initial three matches due to a hip injury. Captain Jos Buttler spoke optimistically about Stokes's return, stating, "Ben trained really well last night. It is great to see him back. He obviously brings a lot on the field and with his presence and leadership skills as well as someone who is always good to turn to."
However, Buttler himself acknowledges that he hasn't left a substantial mark on the tournament yet with scores of 43, 20, and 9 in three matches. England's concerns extend to the lower order, with Liam Livingstone posting scores of 20, 0, and 10.
Joe Root and Dawid Malan have been England's standout performers, with Root notching two fifties and Malan scoring a century. Nonetheless, England understand the need for a collective batting effort against South Africa's formidable bowling attack.
Reece Topley, with five wickets, is anticipated to play a pivotal role with the ball for England. Mark Wood's express pace (three wickets) and Adil Rashid's spin (four wickets) have yet to make a significant impact. Jofra Archer, England's leading wicket-taker in the 2019 World Cup with 20 scalps, is currently a travelling reserve without a clear plan for a top-flight return.
In the South African camp, Quinton de Kock, with back-to-back centuries, is determined to leave an indelible mark in his final World Cup appearance for the national team. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen are also in fine form, capable of adapting their approach as needed.
The South African bowling unit has been working cohesively, with Kagiso Rabada (seven wickets) and Marco Jansen (six wickets) leading the charge. Nevertheless, the Proteas will look to Lungi Ngidi (four wickets) to deliver more impact in the upcoming match.
The World Cup showdown now shifts to the Wankhede Stadium, the venue of the 2011 edition's final. Known for its assistance to bowlers, the stadium offers a generally flat surface with shorter boundary lengths, making it a paradise for batsmen. The outfield has recently been relaid after hosting the IPL, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest.
Squads:
England: Jos Buttler (c & wk)), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen and Lizaad Williams.
Match starts 2 pm IST.
