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South Africa
England
South Africa will aim to seal the top spot in Group B of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy when they take on a struggling England side this Saturday in Karachi.
The Proteas started strong with a dominant 107-run win over Afghanistan, and despite their clash against Australia being washed out, their superior net run rate has all but secured a semifinal berth.
England, meanwhile, have endured a nightmare campaign. A five-wicket loss to Australia was followed by a shocking eight-run defeat to Afghanistan, officially eliminating them from the tournament.
With nothing but pride left to play for, England will look to salvage some respect, while South Africa will focus on maintaining momentum heading into the knockouts.
Rabada has been in outstanding form, taking eight wickets in his last three matches at an economy under five. With England struggling against pace, expect him to be the chief destroyer again.
The betting tip is...
Top South Africa Bowler: Kagiso Rabada
61 %
39 %
South AfricaEnglandSouth Africa head into their final group-stage clash with a well-balanced squad, boasting a strong bowling attack and a batting lineup that blends patience with firepower. With the top spot still up for grabs, they are unlikely to take their foot off the gas.
Kagiso Rabada has adapted well to his first-change role, taking eight wickets in his last three games at an economy of under five runs per over. Given Englandβs struggles against pace, Rabada, alongside Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, will be key in applying pressure.
While South Africa might consider resting players, they will want to secure a win and avoid a semifinal showdown with India. Meanwhile, Heinrich Klaasen could return after missing the opening match due to an elbow injury, adding further firepower to the batting lineup.
If Klaasen is fit, he might come in to replace de Zorzi for their match against England.
Predicted Lineup: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi/Klaasen, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
With England already eliminated from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, their final group-stage match against South Africa is little more than a formality. Given their poor performances, a turnaround seems unlikely, and significant changes to the XI could be on the cards. Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Saqib Mahmood, and Rehan Ahmed are yet to feature in the tournament and may get a chance with nothing left to play for.
One bright spot for England has been Joe Root, who will be eager to end his campaign on a high after scores of 120 against Afghanistan and 68 against Australia.
Anchoring the middle order, Root has crossed 50 in four of his last seven ODIs and remains in top form across formats. With an ODI average of 45.33 against South Africa, England will be hoping their most consistent batter can deliver one last time.
Expect plenty of changes to England's playing XI as this is a dead rubber for them.
Predicted Lineup: Jos Buttler (c), Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Liam Livingstone, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson.
South Africa enter this match as clear favourites, given their dominant form and Englandβs disastrous campaign. The Proteas have been clinical with both bat and ball, while England have struggled for consistency, already crashing out of the tournament.
With a superior bowling attack and a more balanced batting lineup, South Africa should comfortably take this match, especially with England likely to field a second-string side.
