SA vs ENG Today | South Africa vs England, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Match Preview, Playing XI, Fantasy Tips & Prediction

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is reaching its business end, and South Africa will take on England in the 11th match of Group B at the National Stadium in Karachi. While South Africa is almost through to the semifinals, England is already out of contention. This match might seem like a dead rubber, but there's still plenty at stake, including pride, performance assessment, and the opportunity to test team combinations.

South Africa Eye Semifinal Spot; England Play for Pride

England's campaign in this tournament has been disappointing, suffering losses against Australia and Afghanistan. Their exit has prompted intense scrutiny, and the biggest shake-up comes with Jos Buttler stepping down as white-ball captain after this game. For South Africa, this match is an opportunity to fine-tune their strategy before the semifinals, ensuring that their lineup and form remain sharp.

South Africa’s dominant victory over Afghanistan showcased their strength in all departments, with Ryan Rickelton leading the charge with a century and Kagiso Rabada starring with the ball. England, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, and their bowling attack has lacked firepower, despite the presence of Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.

Match Details

• Date: March 1, 2025

• Time: 14:00 Local, 11:00 SAT, 14:30 IST

• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi

Weather and Pitch Conditions

The weather in Karachi is expected to be hot and dry, making it an ideal day for cricket. The pitch at the National Stadium has been batting-friendly, producing high-scoring games in this tournament. The team batting first has successfully put up totals exceeding 300, with South Africa proving their mettle at this venue. Expect another run-fest, with the spinners playing a crucial role in the middle overs.

Predicted Playing XI

England

• Openers: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett

• Middle Order: Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (capt)

• All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton

• Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood

Key Changes: Mark Wood is unavailable due to a knee injury, with Saqib Mahmood likely to replace him.

South Africa

• Openers: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ryan Rickelton

• Middle Order: Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller

• All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen

• Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Key Changes: Heinrich Klaasen is available for selection and is expected to replace Tony de Zorzi.

Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips

Top Picks:

• Ryan Rickelton: In-form batter with a century in the last match at this venue.

• Joe Root: Has been England’s most reliable batter in this tournament.

• Kagiso Rabada: Star pacer who thrives in pressure situations.

• Adil Rashid: Likely to be England’s trump card on a dry Karachi surface.

Captaincy Choices:

• Safe Pick: Ryan Rickelton (consistent form and batting-friendly pitch)

• Risky Pick: Jos Buttler (last match as captain could inspire a match-winning innings)

Possible Dream11 Team Combination:

• Batters: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Joe Root, Rassie van der Dussen

• All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Liam Livingstone

• Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer

• Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen

Match Prediction

South Africa enters this match as clear favorites, given their strong form and England’s struggles. The Proteas have been clinical in Karachi and will look to capitalize on their knowledge of conditions. England, however, will want to bid farewell to Buttler’s captaincy with a spirited performance. If their top order clicks, they could challenge South Africa.

Winning Prediction: South Africa to win, barring a remarkable England resurgence.

Interesting Facts

• This is the first time England and South Africa are facing off in the ICC Champions Trophy since 2013 when England knocked South Africa out in the semifinals.

• Only two of the six 300+ totals in this tournament have come in Karachi, where this match will be played.

• Liam Livingstone is set to play his 100th international match across all formats.

• Phil Salt is just 20 runs away from completing 1000 ODI runs.

Final Thoughts

With England out of the tournament and South Africa nearly securing a semifinal spot, this match might not hold much significance in terms of qualification, but it’s still an important fixture. For South Africa, it’s about sustaining momentum, while England will look to salvage some pride. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest, especially with the Karachi pitch favoring high-scoring games.

Who will shine under the Karachi sun? Can England end their campaign on a high note, or will South Africa continue their dominance? We’ll find out soon!