England are playing for nothing but pride in their final match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
The Three Lions cannot progress from the group stage after suffering back-to-back defeats against Australia and Afghanistan.
South Africa’s place in the final four is all but secured, but they will want to finish with a victory to ensure top spot and potentially avoid a semi-final clash against tournament favourites India.
Check out NetBet’s match preview, complete with the latest cricket odds and sports betting tips.
South Africa vs England Preview
England’s shock failure against Afghanistan on Wednesday was a sad reminder of their decline in ODI cricket since winning the 2019 World Cup.
Jos Buttler’s side were woeful in the field during the second half of Afghanistan’s innings, which allowed the opposition to post a huge score.
Joe Root’s well-made century in the chase proved to be all in vain as the Three Lions were bowled out in Lahore and condemned to defeat.
So Saturday’s meeting with South Africa in Karachi is about salvaging some pride and it will perhaps prove to be a farewell match for the likes of Root and captain Jos Buttler, veterans who will go down as two of the nation’s all-time greats.
In contrast, the South Africans thrashed Afghanistan in their opener and then saw a match vs Australia in Rawalpindi sadly rained off.
But that means Temba Bavuma’s talented outfit are well-rested, with England having to contend with a number of injury and fatigue issues. Fast bowler Mark Wood and all-rounder Liam Livingstone both struggled with knocks in the defeat to Afghanistan.
The last time these two sides met in a 50-over match was at the 2023 World Cup, a contest in Mumbai which saw South Africa record a sensational 229-run victory.
England head coach Brendon McCullum will be eager to avoid a repeat performance…
South Africa vs England Odds
*All odds are subject to change
South Africa are understandably the favourites here at odds of 1.76, while wounded England are priced at 1.94 to claim a morale-boosting victory.
South Africa vs England Betting Tips
South Africa Top Batter – Ryan Rickelton @ 5.00
Opening batsman Rickleton has been in fine touch of late and hit a brilliant century in the win over Afghanistan. South Africa’s batting line up is strong, but it is hard to look past Rickleton as the biggest wicket of the lot right now.
England Top Batter – Joe Root @ 4.50
Root looked to be guiding England to victory against Afghanistan, until fatigue set in and he was dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai for 120. Now 34 years of age, this could well be Root’s last ODI, as he may choose to focus solely on Tests. So the Yorkshireman will want to bow out in style!
A century to be scored in the match – Yes @ 1.80
This edition of the ICC Champions Trophy has been loaded with centuries and we expect another one to be added to the tally in Karachi. Rickleton, Root, Buttler and many other brilliant batters can inflict more punishment on the bowlers.
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