England Team. (Photo Source: England Cricket)
England and South Africa square off in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash in the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday, June 21, at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.
England are coming into this clash on the back of a resounding win against the West Indies in their opening encounter in the Super Eights. Meanwhile, South Africa also emerged victorious in their only Super Eight fixture so far against the USA. The team which wins on Friday will go on the brink of qualification for the semifinals.
England are on a winning streak of three matches after their defeat to Australia earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile, the Proteas are yet to taste defeat in the campaign, having won all five of their matches thus far.
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Here is the predicted England XI vs South Africa –
Openers – Jos Buttler and Phil Salt
Philip Salt and Jos Buttler.(Photo Source: England Cricket)
Jos Buttler has got off to some good starts in the tournament but hasn’t been able to register a half-century. In four innings, he has scored 91 runs at an average of 30.33 and a strike rate of 146.77. England fans will hope their captain goes big on Friday.
Phil Salt has been one of the best-performing batters in T20I cricket in the last few months. After a spectacular Indian Premier League season, the 27-year-old has continued his purple patch in the T20 World Cup. He smashed an electrifying 87 not out of 47 balls in the last game against the West Indies and won the Player of the Match award. Salt would want to continue from where he left against the Windies.
Middle-order – Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook
Bairstow (Photo Source: Twitter)
Jonny Bairstow has looked in sublime touch so far in the tournament. In four innings, he has scored 94 runs at an average of 47 and a strike rate of 159.32. In the last game, he remained unbeaten on 48 off just 26 balls to take England home.
Harry Brook has batted only twice and scored 67 runs, including a crucial 47 not out off 20 balls against Namibia in a must-win clash. Brook’s ability to go big from the get-go makes him a vital cog in the England setup.
All-rounders – Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran
Moeen Ali. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Moeen Ali was promoted to No. 3 in the last game but could only manage 13 off 10 balls before being dismissed by Andre Russell. However, he bowled well and picked up one wicket for 15 runs in two overs. The southpaw has a strike rate of 174.19 with the willow from three innings and picked up a couple of wickets. Moeen’s off-spin could come in handy against left-handers Quinton de Kock and David Miller.
Liam Livingstone hasn’t had much of a chance to show his prowess with the bat. He didn’t come into the tournament on the back of good form but has shown glimpses of his big-hitting talent, belting three sixes in 16 balls he has faced. Livingstone has bowled three overs and gone for 35 runs but managed to take two wickets.
Sam Curran had to wait for his chance in the playing XI. He played the last two games but didn’t get to bat. With the ball, he has bowled five overs and conceded 38 runs without picking up a wicket. Curran’s all-round talent lends a lot of balance to the defending champions’ side.
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Bowlers – Reece Topley, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
Reece Topley adds a different dimension to the England bowling with his ability to swing the new ball. However, in three games, he has failed to open his account, as far as the wickets column is concerned. He has been economical though, conceding runs at just 5.50 so far. Buttler would want the left-arm seamer to get among the wickets on Friday.
Mark Wood would look to torment the South African batters with his pace and bounce. He didn’t have a memorable outing against the Windies, finishing with figures of 0/36 in three overs. However, the tearaway pacer has the ability to bounce back after a bad game.
Adil Rashid has picked up six wickets from five games at an average of 21.33 and a strike rate of 16. The spinner will have a crucial role to play in the middle overs. It will be interesting to see how Buttler uses his four-over spell against the Rainbow Nation.
Jofra Archer has also bagged six wickets from five games and is gradually getting back to his best. He is averaging 16.83 and has an economy rate of 6.59. Archer will hope to continue the good work he has done so far in the campaign.
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England’s Predicted XI vs South Africa
Jos Buttler (C & WK), Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, and Reece Topley