ODI World Cup 2023: South Africa's strongest predicted playing XI against England

Game 20 of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 will feature a clash between South Africa (SA) and England (ENG) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, October 21. Both sides will be looking to recoup after their losses in their previous games. As the high-octane clash approaches, it could be interesting to see which side comes out on top.

South Africa played their last game against the Netherlands, where they were handed a shock defeat and one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. However, the Proteas will be keen on not letting that loss derail them, and many will wonder what lineup the Temba Bavuma-led side could field.

Here's South Africa’s Predicted XI against England:

Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c)

In form Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma will be expected to open the innings for South Africa. Both batters have been crucial for the side, providing them with brilliant starts. In the previous game, De Kock only managed to score 20 runs before he was sent back to the pavilion; however, with back-to-back centuries against Australia and Sri Lanka, the wicketkeeper is one of the most important players for the side.

Skipper Bavuma will be keen on leading from the front as well. With 59 runs in three matches so far, Bavuma has failed to get off the mark properly as of yet, and the opener will be desperate to change that against defending champion England.

Middle Order: Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller

Possessing major power in the middle order, Rassie van der Dussen will look to provide some stability to the Proteas down the order. With a century in the first match and 30 runs in the next two games, Dussen’s knock could prove to be handy for South Africa against England.

One of the best batters in the side, Aiden Markram, needs no introduction. The 29-year-old has been in brilliant form so far; however, he failed to go big against the Netherlands, and he will look to make amends against the Jos Buttler-led England.

Heinrich Klassen will be another batter who could provide the side with some stability in case the top-order fails. The 32-year-old has failed to score big runs in the tournament so far, and he will hope that the same will not be the case in the forthcoming clash.

One of the best finishers in world cricket, David Miller’s repertoire with the bat is something that England will be wary of. Scoring 43 runs against the Netherlands, Miller was the highest run-getter for the Proteas when the entire batting order toppled. The side will look for a similar performance from him once again. 

All-rounder: Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen will make for the side’s all-rounder lineup. Proficient with both the bat and the ball, Jansen’s performance could prove to be key for the side if they are looking to get back to winning ways. With nine runs and two wickets against the Netherlands, Jansen’s performance with the bat left something to be desired, and it could be interesting to see if he will make up for it against England.

Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee

South Africa could field an unchanged lineup from their last match. Kagiso Rabada will look to spearhead the attack. With seven wickets in three games so far, Rabada has been in good form, and he could pose a major threat to the English batters as well. 

Keshav Maharaj is someone who could provide a spin threat and score with the bat when needed as well. Scoring 40 runs in 37 deliveries, Maharaj was one of the highest run-getters for the side in the previous game. Further, he has taken five wickets in three games so far and is one of the most in-form bowlers in the side.

With four wickets in three games, Lungi Ngidi will be keen on putting his foot on the pedal as well. His spell could be crucial for the Proteas against England, and his presence in the South African bowling lineup could be a huge influence for the side.

Gerald Coetzee will be completing South Africa’s bowling lineup. Taking three wickets in the side’s first game of the tournament, Coetzee did not feature against Australia but took one wicket against the Netherlands, and he will be expected to feature once again against England.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

South Africa’s predicted XI:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee.