England and South Africa clash in their last league stage game with the aim to seal a spot in the last four stage of this ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. England are unbeaten so far in Group 1, but are yet to officially qualify. A win, or even a close defeat, or even an Australian defeat against the West Indies, will seal the deal for them.
South Africa, on the other hand, are primarily competing with Australia for other available spot from this group. If Australia win against West Indies, a convincing win will see South Africa through.
When England last played at this venue, Jos Buttler's unbeaten 67-ball 101 against Sri Lankan stole the show after they lost three early wickets. Their bowlers later showcased an impressive performance to restrict the Lankan batters. The England bowlers have, in fact, impressed throughout the tournament. Tymal Mills' injury may come down to hurt them.
South Africa have lost their last five T20Is against England. They will bank on their bowlers, particularly Anrich Nortje and Dwaine Pretorius, who have economy rate of 4.56 and 6.08 respectively so far in this World Cup. Kagiso Rabada, too, seemed to find his mojo back against Bangladesh, where he ripped through the top order to take 3-18.
The batting will depend a lot on on Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram. However, all eyes will be on Quinton de Kock, who is yet to fire in this tournament. A typically belligerent innings from him may help South Africa win against the tides.
Likely XIs
England: Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (wk), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan (c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, David Willey, Adil Rashid
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Fantasy tips
- The England top-order batters are in excellent form. Do pick all of them, especially considering the small boundaries in Sharjah.
- Willey is likely to replace injured Mills in the England line-up. You look to pick him in the XI.
- Rabada and Nortje will once again be in the focus when it comes to bowling.
Fantasy XI
Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Roy, Reeza Hendricks, Dawid Malan, Aiden Markram, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Dwaine Pretorius, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Woakes