Contrary to what the glass-half-full brigade would advise, there is little you can do when things are not going your way. You could have the sanest excuses, the soundest justifications, and the most accurate insights into your decline, but nothing changes the results. England’s fate, lately, has followed a similar route. This is the third ICC tournament they have crashed out of in as many years, without getting their hands on the glory.
In the immediate aftermath, Jos Buttler resigned as the side’s captain, but there is still no certainty whether this will bring any glad tidings for England whenever the next mega-event comes. What is certain, though, is the need to rebuild whatever needs rebuilding.
South Africa, too, have not had a trophy to show for it lately (or ever). But this does not ring as painful bells for them as it does for England. They are all but through to the semi-finals. A win in this game will propel them to the top of the table. A defeat will earn them a second place. Either way, they have a semi-final to play.
Team Overview:
This will be the last game for Jos Buttler as a captain, and a consolation win could lessen the disappointment, even if only a tick. Mark Wood’s injury scare will see him sit this game out, and Saqib Mahmood could come in for him. Joe Root, who scored 68 runs in England’s first Champions Trophy game, following it up with a century versus Afghanistan, will remain the key to England’s fight for survival in this game as well.
It has been a tough tournament for Heinrich Klaasen, whose injury concerns and Rawalpindi’s rain did not let him play even one game in the tournament. He is available to be selected for this game, though, and his return could see Tony de Zorzi sacrificing his spot. Ryan Rickleton has been rocking and rolling across formats lately. Him batting at the top means a quick and solid opening partnership is almost always a certainty, something that firms his side’s feet quite early in the match.
Head-to-Head Record:
The last time both sides played an ODI game was in Mumbai when the Proteas walked all over England by handing them a 229-run defeat. In terms of their head-to-head record, both teams sit in each other’s laps. Out of 70 ODI matches, England were the better side in 30 matches while South Africa got home in 34 games.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Karachi will serve as a better venue for playing than Lahore and Rawalpindi, where rain held sway in the recent games. This means a result can be expected in this match. South Africa played Afghanistan here, so they should be well aware of the conditions. The surface offers plenty for batters, making a high-scoring game almost certain. Bowlers will also find something to work with, although it will be easier to bowl early in the match.
Prediction:
Even though England would give all they have in them in this match, beating South Africa will still be a distant dream for them in this tournament.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sport, Ten Sports, Myco App
India: Star Sports Network, Network 18, JioCinema App
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sport App
Australia: PrimeVideo
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ, Sky Sports Now, Sky Go
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport Network
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports, Toffee app
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV, Sirasa TV
USA: Willow TV
Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean App
MENA: StarzPlay, CricLife Max, CricLife Max 2
