Going into the third ODI between England and South Africa, it will be interesting to see if one side can continue asserting their dominance by winning three straight, while this other group looks for some life after a tough start. Looking at the Proteas side specifically, they have been able to pull off yet another amazing series victory in this format and looked like clear favorites from start to finish.
Despite South Africa’s two main fast bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, missing a 6th straight match of 50/50 cricket, many newer names have been able to shine under pressure. The one man leading this unit and helping get rid of that “choking” title is none other than captain Temba Bavuma, who continues being one of the greater motivators cricket has ever seen.
For England, this last match is worth a lot because it will show if they can end this series off high on confidence or hit a new low point after getting outclassed in nearly every phase. Currently looking like they might drop from that 8th ranking too, this could be a massive problem for them since their side may no longer have automatic qualification to that 2027 ODI World Cup.
With a bowling attack getting weaker by the day after Mark Wood is now expected to miss an extended period of time, something will have to change for them to get back into complete form. Captain Harry Brook has shown potential as a leader, but will now need to put it all together in this vital upcoming match, which could be crucial for his career.
England: Batting Order Looks Extremely Deep and Hope To Finally Show Full Potential
Talking about England’s batters, it’s clear that their unit is pretty stacked from top to bottom and should continue making a difference every match. Opener Ben Duckett has recently struggled this series, just scoring 19 runs during his two innings, and looks to get back in good touch as he’s someone who averages 45.96. Known for being a hard-hitter up top that normally keeps a very strong strike rate, opposite of him is Jamie Smith, who’s trying to translate his test game into ODI cricket. After losing his wicket on the first ball last match, he will have to change his approach and really create a big partnership with classy Joe Root coming in at one-down. Seeing that Root hit another half-century, making it 43, he also crossed 7,200 runs in the last match and continues to thrive as their most consistent piece.
Jacob Bethell will potentially be placed at two-down due to his brute power and striking ability, which allowed him to get a 50+ score, as well, in quick succession. Already having four innings where he crossed that mark during his young career, this lefty continues finding gaps, plus taking on opposing right-handed bowlers with ease.
With Harry Brook coming after him, the captain will look to cross 1,000 runs and finally hit an impactful knock this series after struggling to get a start during a few of their previous matches. Having an ability similar to Joe Root, but with way more aggression, it allows Jos Buttler to come in for finishing matches with his maximum hitting prowess. Scoring 5,350 runs in this format, he’s been a crucial part of them getting through from massive run chases and should be in for long with Will Jacks to follow.
England: Bowlers Will Be Very Up and Down Depending on Conditions
England’s bowling has shown to be pretty inconsistent during this series as some of their pacers haven’t been able to hit song. Starting with the positive side of things, Jofra Archer has been fantastic so far after taking a four-wicket haul last match and being very economical despite having to carry a huge load. Someone who continues proving his pace is everything and has amassed 58 wickets during 33 ODIs, he seems to have only gotten better as time’s gone on.
The other piece that has proved its worth is Saqib Mahmood, as he only allows 5-6 runs per over and creates tons of LBW opportunities by swinging it back into batsmen’s pads. Looking to be a full-time starter for England, this match could really get him in if he replicates another great performance.
On the bad side, Brydon Carse has struggled immensely as he seems to be a favorable bowler, batsmen love to attack. Having that quick arm action doesn’t help him much since his economy is always between 6.5 and 7, while never really possessing any wicket-taking threat. In the spin department, both Will Jacks plus Jacob Bethell have continued struggling due to their deliveries not being able to turn much plus over-pitching it many times.
Not being very strong under pressure either, it was shown by these two pieces last match, while Adil Rashid continues being the best spinner on this side, far and away. Finishing with 2/33 figures, he also has now taken 229 career wickets for England during 154 50-over matches.
South Africa: Deep Lineup Has Helped This Side Dominate These First Few Matches
With South Africa’s batting attack being a huge reason for their wins, this group has a ton of depth all-around that has helped them thrive. Leading it off is Aiden Markram, as he’s been very controlled in his approach, while taking bowlers on when necessary and nearly getting to two half-centuries already. Having scored over 2,500 runs in this format now, his average continues improving, while left-handed Ryan Rickleton will continue scoring 30+ runs on the other side as well.
Rickleton, whose scored 453 runs during just 14 innings, has shown a combination of class plus patience, which has worked for South Africa to create early partnerships. Temba Bavuma looks to get back into form after two scores of below 10 runs and will keep letting pieces opposite of him be an aggressor.
As Bavuma has scored 1941 runs during his 51 ODI innings, this is someone who will continue striking at will and turning it up a notch when his team truly needs it. Coming in at two-down, Matthew Breetzke has been historically great within his first 5 matches itself as he’s already scored over 50 in all of them. Delivering at clutch times and producing heavy partnerships near the middle, him plus Stubbs, whose become more consistent in that 3-down position, have really elevated South Africa’s depth a lot. Dewald Brevis is a known power hitter who will keep striking at over a 200 strike rate, while Senuran Muthuswamy and Wiaan Mulder should be key for finishing up their batting later on.
South Africa: Attack Will Be A Key Factor In This Game Once Again
Lastly, South Africa has one of the most lethal bowling units currently in world cricket and has been on the rise once more. Led by Lungi Ngidi, who continues taking wickets at ease as he has 112 in 71 ODIs, this is someone who keeps on bowling a great slower ball, while also maintaining a strength in the pace game. He’s slowly turned into a crucial 10-over bowler for this side due to his economic abilities as well and helps with Nandre Burger coming from the other side.
Burger, who just recently had a 3-wicket haul, continues coming up in the clutch to take out key opposing batsmen, while Wiaan Mulder plus Corbin Bosch can bowler other key overs. Spinners Senuran Muthuswamy, 6 wickets in 5 matches, and number-one ranked Keshav Mahraj should really get the ball turning in this match as key left-handers.
Previous Matches
Matches Played: 73
England Won: 30
South Africa Won: 37
Drawn: 6
Last 5: South Africa won 5 of the last 5
Predictions
South Africa Bat 1st: They will score 290-300 runs for 7 wickets lost
England Bat 1st: They will score 240-250 runs for 9 wickets lost
South Africa Bat 2nd: They will win by 5 wickets
England Bat 2nd: They will lose by 30-40 runs
Final Prediction: South Africa win by 5 wickets if batting 1st and 30-40 runs if going 2nd
Key Players
South Africa
Keshav Maharaj: Number one spin-bowler in ODI rankings, who can really turn the ball
Dewald Brevis: Power-hitter who has really elevated his scores in this format
Temba Bavuma: Strong captain who looks to get back into form after a couple of tough outings
Matthew Breetzke: Most consistent batsman who keeps on scoring runs at impactful times
England
Jos Buttler: Great finisher who has come close numerous times
Jofra Archer: Fast-bowler with amazing pace and a lethal bouncer that affects batsmen
Joe Root: Classy batsman who can remain on strike for most of the innings
Ben Duckett: Left-handed opener that can wreak havoc if in complete form
Also Read: ZIM vs SA : Wiaan Mulder Reflects On His Unbeaten 367 After Conversation With Brian Lara