The Wankhede Stadium is all set for a great match as England defeat South Africa in Match No. 20 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 21. South Africa have won two of the three matches, with the only defeat so far coming in the previous match against the Netherlands. A mediocre performance from their bowling unit saw the Netherlands post an above-average total in Dharamshala, which was later settled. Meanwhile, the England squad is struggling for consistency at the World Cup.
After a one-sided hammering at the hands of New Zealand in the tournament opener, England gained some momentum with a 137-run win against Bangladesh. Dawid Malan (140 off 107 balls) shone with a big century as the defending champions amassed a whopping 364 runs by batting first. Reece Topley took four wickets in the chase and England took their first points.
However, that confidence disappeared in the next match, after Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Zadran steered Afghanistan to a famous victory. Gurbaz’s 57-ball 80 and Ikram Alikhil’s half-century propelled Afghanistan to 284 runs in the first innings. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan spun a web and dismantled the England batting line-up and registered a 69-run win.
England need a win in this match as a defeat could dent their title hopes very early in the tournament, putting them in a must-win situation in almost every match. However, the potential return of Ben Stokes could inspire some confidence in the team.
Openers: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan
Jonny Bairstow is one of the best white-ball cricketers in the world and has been fighting for runs in the format over the past two years. He has scored just 242 runs in 12 games since the start of 2022, but Buttler could stick with him because of his ability to switch games all by himself.
Dawid Malan got a big century against Bangladesh and is blooming with confidence. One of England’s most consistent white-ball cricketers, Malan has scored 186 runs in three matches in the tournament so far.
Middle order: Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone
Harry Brook, who was picked ahead of Jason Roy in the World Cup squad, scored his maiden half-century against Afghanistan. However, his valiant effort was not enough to get England over the line. Joe Root was also in excellent form, scoring 170 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries.
Captain Jos Buttler has a great record against England, scoring 540 runs at an average of 49.09, including two centuries and two fifties. Liam Livingstone, who boasts a strike rate of 113.66, is a key figure in the lower middle order. He’s not off to a great start in the tournament, but is capable of hitting big scores on his day.
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes, England’s hero in the 2019 ICC World Cup, was absent from the playing XI due to a hip injury. Although there were rumors that he might leave the team to recover, he has confirmed that he is fit again. Stokes is likely to take Chris Woakes’ place in the team.
Sam Curran is another very capable all-rounder with a lot of experience playing in Indian conditions. His left-arm pace hasn’t proven very effective, but he can be deadly if he gets some swing.
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley
Adil Rashid is a bona fide star with the white ball and he must play a crucial role if England are to find form again. He has excelled in batsman-friendly conditions in recent years and at Wankhede his experience in catching batters will be crucial.
Mark Wood and Reece Topley will continue to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility in the first few overs. Topley is off to a good start in the tournament, taking five wickets in two matches and is ready to retain his place.
England predicted playing XI
Jonny Bairstow
David Malan
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Jos Buttler (c & wk)
Liam Livingstone
Sam Curran
Chris Woakes
Adil Rashid
Highlight Wood
Reece Topley
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