The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set for a high-stakes encounter as England takes on South Africa in their Group B fixture at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. South Africa is in contention for a top-two finish, making this match crucial not just for them but also for Afghanistan, who are eyeing a potential qualification spot. With so much on the line, this contest promises intense cricketing action, making it a must-watch game for cricket fans.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch Eng vs SA live on Star Sports Network in India, Ten Sports in Pakistan, Sky Sports in England, and SuperSport in South Africa. The match will start at 2:00 pm PST, 2:30 pm IST, and 9:00 am GMT.
Team Analysis
The Proteas squad has been one of the most well-rounded teams in this Champions Trophy, excelling in both batting and bowling departments. Their top order, consisting of Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, and Aiden Markram, has been firing, displaying their dominant batting talents and providing strong starts. Perhaps the biggest strength for the South African team is their young gun, Ryan Rickelton, who is in the prime form of his career, as evidenced by his fiery century in the last game against Afghanistan. The middle order is anchored by David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, and Tristan Stubbs. With such firepower, South Africa has the ability to post daunting totals or chase down any target with ease.
On the bowling front, the African pace attack has been ruthless. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen have formed a lethal trio, dismantling batting lineups with sheer pace and bounce. Rabada’s ability to strike early, Ngidi’s aggression in the middle overs, and Jansen’s left-arm variety make them a nightmare for opposition batters. The Proteas also possess a strong spin duo in the form of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who have been instrumental in restricting runs on dry subcontinental surfaces. This balance in their bowling lineup makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament, and if they maintain their form, they could be serious contenders for the title.
On the other hand, the British lineup has been struggling with inconsistency, especially in their batting department. Phil Salt’s poor run of form has been a major concern, as the team heavily relies on his ability to stabilize innings. Harry Brook, who was expected to be England’s next big middle-order mainstay, has also struggled to convert his starts into big scores. Additionally, Jos Buttler, the captain, has been under immense pressure, failing to deliver in crucial moments. Lastly, England’s decision to experiment with Jamie Smith at No. 3 is a gamble, as he lacks big-match experience. If England wants to challenge South Africa, their batting unit must step up collectively and find ways to counter the Proteas’ superior pace attack.
Despite boasting a formidable pace trio in Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson, the British squad’s bowling unit has lacked control. Archer, coming back from multiple injury setbacks, is yet to regain his rhythm, while Wood has struggled with accuracy. Atkinson has shown promise but lacks big-tournament experience. Additionally, England’s spin department appears weak, with Adil Rashid struggling to find consistency. This lack of a reliable spin option could hurt England on subcontinental pitches, where slow bowlers often play a crucial role in the middle overs.
Conclusion
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch offers excellent conditions for batting, setting the stage for a high-scoring thriller. Key impact players to watch out for in this match include Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, Ben Duckett, and Jofra Archer. The Afghan team will be keeping a strict eye on this match, as it carries for them a chance to qualify for the Champions Trophy semis for the very first time. If you want to watch Eng Vs SA live, scroll above and click on the link provided.
