T20 World Cup 2021: Can England end South Africa's semis chances in close race?
England has virtually sealed its place in the semis of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. However, it could play spoilsport to South Africa's chances when they clash in the Super 12 stage on Saturday.
FollowFormer champion England has stayed unbeaten on the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 so far, while it has virtually sealed its place in the semis. Meanwhile, it could play spoilsport to South Africa's chances, as the two faces off against each other in the Group 1 Super 12 stage at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday. Here is the match preview.
Current form
England has played four games and is yet to suffer a defeat. In the warm-ups, it won and lost a game each. On the other hand, South Africa has played four too, winning three and losing one, while in the warm-ups, it won both its games. Both sides possess an even form, while the momentum might aid England as per the current form.
LIVE SCORECARD: ICC T20 World Cup 2021 - England vs South Africa (Super 12)
Team strength & weaknesses, and players to watch out
As for the teams, England has exquisite batters in the side, which is undoubtedly its biggest strength. The top-order will have to fire, while the middle-order looks stabilised as well, with skipper Eoin Morgan returning to form. The focus would also come on top players, like Jason Roy, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Mark Wood and Chris Jordan.
Also, South Africa's has its strength in its batting, even without the services of Faf du Plessis. As for its bowling, it has been lethal too. In the meantime, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, and Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have fared well so far, while the focus would be upon them once again.
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Injury concerns and head-to-head
England will be without the services of spinner Tymal Mills, who has been ruled out due to side strain, while Proteas have no concerns. The two have played against each other on 21 instances in the format, with England leading 11-9, while in five meetings in the competition, Proteas leads 3-2.
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Weather and pitch report
The Sharjah weather would be warm, with 31 degrees of expected temperature and 55% humidity. As for the pitch, it would remain slow, while the shorter boundaries could help the batters. However, dew would once again play a vital role in the evening, thus prompting the side winning the toss to bowl first.
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Probable XI
England: Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid and Tymal Mills.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Temba Bavuma (c), Dwaine Pretorius, Rassie van der Dussen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Fantasy XI
Batters: Hendricks, Bavuma, Roy- Bavuma and Roy would give a strong start, while Hendricks would dominate at number three or in the middle-order.
Wicketkeepers: Buttler (c)- He has been in an explosive form, making him the skipper.
All-rounders: Pretorious, Moeen- Both have been in decent form with the ball, while Moeen would add with the bat too.
Bowlers: Rashid, Jordan, Rabada, Shamsi, Nortje (vc)- Rashid and Shamsi have been delivering as spinners, while the remaining three are sure to rule as pacers, with Nortje heading the department and being the deputy captain.
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Match details
Date and day: November 6, 2021 (Saturday)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
