England vs South Africa Match Prediction, 1st ODI – Who will win today’s match between ENG vs SA?

England (ENG) and South Africa (SA) are gearing up for the first ODI of their three-match series at Headingley in Leeds on Tuesday, September 2. Notably, Proteas are on a white-ball tour to England, and begin it with the ODI leg. 

The home team's last white-ball assignment came in the month of May-June this year. against the West Indies. The Harry Brook-led team clean-swept both the ODI and T20I legs and finished the series on a high. With most of their players coming off their stints at The Hundred, they will be looking to contribute to the national team. Notably, the Three Lions witness the return of ace pacer Jofra Archer in the ODI setup.

Meanwhile, South Africa is entering fresh with an ODI series win against Australia after having lost the preceding T20I series by a 2-1 margin. The team will be happy to welcome star speedster Kagiso Rabada, who missed the last tour citing an ankle injury.

ENG vs SA Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at Headingley in Leeds is preferred by the batters. Another high-scoring encounter could be quite a possibility, and the spinners will also get some help from the surface in the latter stages of the game. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss could be a wise decision.

ENG vs SA Head to Head in ODIs

ENG vs SA Predicted Playing XIs

England (ENG):

Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Jamie Smith (wk), Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker

South Africa (SA):

Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka

Probable Top Performers

Probable Best Batter: Joe Root

England's veteran Joe Root could be the best batter in the first ODI against South Africa. In the last series against West Indies, the right-handed batter smashed 267 runs in three innings at an average of 133.50, and played a big role in the team's series win. Root will be running high on confidence and will look to carry the same momentum forward.

Probable Best Bowler: Kagiso Rabada

South African ace pacer Kagiso Rabada could be the best bowler in the first ODI against England. Rabada, who missed the last tour to Australia, will be looking to make the most of this series. In 15 ODIs played in England conditions, the seamer has bagged 19 scalps.

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.