ENG vs SA: South Africa's (SA) Predicted Playing XI Against England (ENG) - ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 39

After losing their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, South Africa made a remarkable comeback. They went on to win their next three matches and are currently sitting at number three on the points table in Group 1.

South Africa are slated to play a must-win game on Friday against table-toppers England. The Proteas’ hopes of reaching the semi-finals could come to an end if they lose the game on Saturday. In this article, we look at their predicted playing XI for the high-octane clash.

ENG vs SA: South Africa’s (SA) Predicted Playing XI Against England (ENG) – ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 39

Openers: Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks

Since playing a vital 39-run knock against West Indies, Reeza Hendricks hasn’t made great returns with the bat. Add to that, Quinton de Kock hasn’t made any valuable contribution with the bat either.

For South Africa to win against a side like England, the South Africa openers have to set the tone with useful contributions at the top. Despite their poor form with the bat, you expect the duo to open the innings for South Africa on Tuesday.

Middle-Order: Rassie Van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and David Miller

All four are in decent touch with the bat and there is no denying that the middle order holds key to South Africa’s fortunes for the match on Saturday. Aiden Markram has been consistently scoring runs for the side.

Bavuma played a vital unbeaten 31-run knock in the last game. Miller too has lived up to the expectations to some extent. It remains to be seen how these four batsmen perform against a formidable England bowling attack.

Bowlers: Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi

Dwaine Pretorius is selected in the team as their designated death-over bowler and there is no denying that he has lived up to that. Pretorius’s ability to vary his pace has come in handy in the death overs.

He has given away runs at just 6 an over, despite bowling most of his overs at the death. Kagiso Rabada’s return to form in the last game should come as a big boost for the side. He picked 3 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs. Besides, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi have picked wickets consistently and remain as two crucial players in the side.