The Wankhede stadium is all set for a terrific contest, as England take South Africa in match no. 20 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 21. South Africa have received two out of three matches, with their solely defeat to date coming towards the Netherlands of their earlier match. A lacklustre efficiency from their bowling unit resulted within the Netherlands getting an above-par whole in Dharamshala, which later bought settled. Meanwhile, the English aspect are struggling for consistency within the World Cup.

After a one-sided hammering within the arms of New Zealand within the match opener, England picked up some momentum with a 137-run win towards Bangladesh. Dawid Malan (140 off 107 balls) starred with a giant century because the defending champions mustered a large 364 runs batting first. Reece Topley picked up 4 wickets within the run chase and England picked up their first factors.

However, that confidence went down the drain of their subsequent match, after Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Zadran fired Afghanistan to a well-known win. Gurbaz’s 57-ball 80 and Ikram Alikhil’s half-century propelled Afghanistan to 284 runs within the first innings. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan spun an online and dismantled the English batting line-up, selecting up a 69-run win.

England are in want of a win on this contest as a defeat may dent their title hopes very early within the match, leaving them in a must-win scenario in almost each match. The potential return of Ben Stokes, although, may spark some confidence within the workforce.

Openers: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan

Jonny Bairstow is without doubt one of the finest white-ball cricketers on this planet and has been struggling for runs on this format within the final two years. He scored solely 242 runs in 12 matches for the reason that starting of 2022, however Buttler may proceed with him as he’s able to altering video games all by himself.

Dawid Malan bought one massive century towards Bangladesh and is booming with confidence. One of England’s most constant white-ball cricketers, Malan has scored 186 runs in three matches within the match to date.

Middle order: Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone

Harry Brook, who was picked forward of Jason Roy within the World Cup squad, picked up his first half-century towards Afghanistan. His valiant effort, nevertheless, wasn’t sufficient to take England over the road. Joe Root too has been in nice type, scoring 170 runs in three matches, which incorporates two half-centuries.

Skipper Jos Buttler has an important file towards England, scoring 540 runs at a mean of 49.09, which incorporates two centuries and two fifties. Liam Livingstone, who boasts of a strike price of 113.66, is a key within the lower-middle order. He just isn’t off to an important begin within the match however is able to scoring massive on his day.

All-rounders: Sam Curran, Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes, England’s hero within the 2019 ICC World Cup, was away from the taking part in XI resulting from a hip damage. Although there have been rumours of him probably leaving the workforce to recuperate, he has confirmed he’s match once more. Stokes is prone to take Chris Woakes’ place within the workforce.

Sam Curran is one other very succesful all-rounder with nice expertise of taking part in in Indian situations. His left-arm tempo has not been very efficient up the order, however he could be deadly if he will get some swing.

Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley

Adil Rashid is a bonafide star with the white ball and he should play a vital position if England have been to seek out type once more. He has excelled in batter-friendly situations over the previous few years and at Wankhede, his expertise in trapping batters might be pivotal.

Mark Wood and Reece Topley will proceed to take the majority of the accountability within the opening few overs. Topley is off to a high begin within the match, selecting up 5 wickets in two matches and is about to maintain his place.

England Predicted Playing XI

Jonny Bairstow

Dawid Malan

Joe Root

Harry Brook

Jos Buttler (c & wk)

Liam Livingstone

Sam Curran

Chris Woakes

Adil Rashid

Mark Wood

Reece Topley