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South Africa and England are set to face off in Match 11 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, March 1. With the tournament reaching its business end, the upcoming clash holds huge significance for South Africa, while England will be playing for pride after a disastrous campaign so far. A win for South Africa in this match will confirm their place in the semi-finals On the other hand, England are in dire straits as the only team yet to register a single point in the tournament.
South Africa’s potential road to the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals
South Africa have been one of the strongest teams in the tournament so far, putting in dominant performances that have put them on the brink of semi-final qualification. Their batting has been led by Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller, while their bowling attack, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj, has been effective in restricting opposition teams. If Afghanistan defeats Australia in their final group-stage match, South Africa will qualify automatically regardless of their result against England. However, if Australia wins, the Proteas will need to secure a victory over England to guarantee their place in the knockout stage.
England’s nightmare tournament & fight for redemption
For England, the Champions Trophy 2025 has been a disaster. Once considered one of the most formidable white-ball teams, they have failed to deliver in crucial moments, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
Their batting has been inconsistent, with their captain Jos Buttler struggling to produce match-winning knock. Their bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, has lacked the penetration required to put opposition teams under pressure. With nothing to play for but pride, England will look to salvage their campaign with a strong performance against South Africa. A win here won’t change their elimination status, but it could restore some confidence and prevent them from finishing without a single point.
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South Africa’s predicted playing XI against England
South Africa could tweak their opening combination, with Temba Bavuma set to move up alongside Ryan Rickelton, who scored a brilliant century in the previous match. Heinrich Klaasen is expected to return from injury, replacing Tony de Zorzi in the XI. Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller will form the core of the middle order, with Markram fresh off an unbeaten fifty. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder provide all-round capabilities, offering depth in both departments. The pace attack will be led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, who shared five wickets between them against Afghanistan. Keshav Maharaj remains the team’s primary spin option, completing a well-balanced South African lineup.
England’s predicted playing XI versus South Africa
England’s playing XI for their crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against South Africa is expected to see a few tactical changes. Phil Salt and Ben Duckett will open the innings, with Duckett in sublime touch after his brilliant 165 against Australia. Tom Banton is likely to replace Jamie Smith in the middle order, joining Joe Root, who is coming off a commanding century, alongside Harry Brook and captain Jos Buttler, who will aim for a match-winning knock. Liam Livingstone and Jamie Overton provide the all-round depth needed for stability. Jofra Archer remains the spearhead of the pace attack, joined by Saqib Mahmood, who could replace the expensive Mark Wood. Adil Rashid leads the spin department, ensuring variety in England’s bowling arsenal.
