World Cup 2019: Match 1, SA vs Eng Today's Predicted Playing 11 & Key Players

The much awaited ICC World Cup will kick off with the first match between England and South Africa. Both the teams have never been able to lift the World Cup but they would be hoping to set the record straight this time.

Head to Head: South Africa and England have played each other 59 times in One Day Internationals. The Proteas is edging the head to head by 29-26 but things can be different this time around.

South Africa Perspective

South African fans have been used to heartbreaks as their team has choked in the World Cup on multiple occasions. They would want to change that in this tournament and a win against pre-tournament favourites will be a great confidence booster for them.

South Africa does have some match-winners in the squad but they would need to get their team selection spot on to beat a team like England.

Batting

Key Players - Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, and David Miller

Quinton de Kock was in brilliant form in the Indian Premier League. South Africa would be hoping that he can continue this rich vein of form in the World Cup. South African captain Faf du Plessis has an ability to play the role of an anchor. The right-handed batsman can hold the innings together and then take on bowlers in the slog overs.

David Miller is a batsman who can change the course of the match single-handedly. The left-hander can make full use of the slog overs.

Bowling

Key Players - Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir

Kagiso Rabada is one of the best bowlers in the world. The fast bowler was fantastic in the IPL before his tournament was cut short by injury. His form and fitness can decide the course of the tournament for the Proteas.

Lungi Ngidi has impressed a lot in his short ODI career till now. His bowling average of less than 22 is a testament to his ability. Imran Tahir was incredible in the IPL as batsmen struggled against his wrist spin. He can prove to be the trump card for South Africa in the World Cup.

South Africa predicted XI

Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Imran Tahir

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