England Team News
England were properly tested at last. They were tested when batting first against an inspired Sri Lankan attack who bowled tight lines and dismissed Jason Roy, Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow cheaply.
And then they were tested when England were bowling. At one stage Sri Lanka’s middle-order fought back beautifully, playing shots with plenty of intent and they came very close indeed to being favourites on live betting.
Luckily for England, they dismissed Hasaranga just when it mattered and the batsmen after him just couldn’t get going. But England will have benefited from being in a tight game after winning the first three so easily.
In the middle of all that, Jos Buttler hit the first and only century of the World Cup so far, smashing the last ball of the innings for six to end up on 101 not out.
But it wasn’t all good news. Tymal Mills, who had taken seven wickets in just four games picked up an injury and has now been ruled out of the tournament.
If that’s sad news for a player who has had so many injuries and may never get another chance to play in another World Cup, it’s also bad news for England.
It will probably mean they replace him with fellow left-arm bowler David Willey. That will improve their batting but he’s not the bowler Mills is.
England’s Likely XI
Roy, Buttler, Malan, Bairstow, Morgan, Livingstone, Ali, Woakes, Willey, Jordan, Rashid.
South Africa Team News
South Africa are still alive and kicking after beating Bangladesh during the week.
They also improve their net run rate by getting to the total after just 13.3 overs.
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje carried on their excellent tournaments by taking three wickets each with Rabada getting the man of the match award on the back of his wickets being those of top order batsmen, because Nortje was actually more economical.
Things are extremely tight between them and Australia. If SA win here and Australia lose to the Windies, they’re through. If they lose and Australia win, Australia are through.
If both win or both lose, then it will go down to net run rate. If it does, it’s advantage Australia because not only are they currently ahead but theoretically Australia have the easier game.
So all to play for.
Reeza Hendricks didn’t get many runs last time out but should keep his place at the top of the order with Heinrich Klassen missing out again.
South Africa Likely XI
Hendricks, de Kock, van der Dussen, Bavuma, Markram, Miller, Pretorius, Rabada, Maharaj, Shamsi, Nortje.
Venue & conditions
This is where England posted 164 and where Sri Lanka had a really good shot at chasing it. 160 would be considered a really good total first up. Having said that, there was lots of dew making life hard for the England bowlers in that Sri Lanka game so even 160 may not be quite enough.
Both teams will want to chase, that’s for sure. Here’s what you need to know about betting at Sharjah including some useful statistics from the stadium!
