MATCH OF THE DAQ previews England v South Africa (ICC Champions Trophy, K.O 10.30, Sky Sports 1)
There has been plenty written about England’s unusual approach to cricket’s 50-over format, yet they topped Group A with wins against Australia and New Zealand.
England v South Africa
ICC Champions Trophy
K.O 10.30, Sky Sports 1
HEAD TO HEAD
(Max last 10 only)
5 Sep 2012 England lost by 7 wickets v South Africa, Nottingham
2 Sep 2012 England won by 6 wickets v South Africa, Lord’s
31 Aug 2012England lost by 4 wickets v South Africa, The Oval
28 Aug 2012 England lost by 80 runs v South Africa, The Rose Bowl
22 Aug 2012 No result
6 Mar 2011 England won by 6 runs v South Africa, Chepauk
29 Nov 2009 England won by 6 wickets v South Africa, Port Elizabeth
27 Nov 2009 England lost by 112 runs v South Africa, Cape Town
22 Nov 2009 England won by 7 wickets v South Africa, Centurion
27 Sep 2009 England won by 22 runs v Sri Lanka, Centurion
PREVIEW
There has been plenty written about England’s unusual approach to cricket’s 50-over format, yet they topped Group A with wins against Australia and New Zealand. Sri Lanka went through in second place even though they smashed the Three Lions by seven wickets thanks to Kumar Sangakkara’s stunning 134 not out from 135 deliveries.
Alastair Cook is not necessarily recognised for his shorter format play, but he has thrived in the ICC competition so far with an average of 51. Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott have supported their captain well in the runs department.
With ball in hand it’s James Anderson that tops the England bowling charts with eight wickets – three behind leader Mitchell McClenaghan. He has been bang on target against the openers and he removed both against the Sri Lankans. Anderson has also dismissed at least one opening batsman in four of the five One Day Internationals he has played in this summer, as well as England’s opening Test match against the Kiwis.
Dale Steyn made a successful return to the starting XI against the West Indies by picking up two wickets. Since Morne Morkel returned home they have been missing a strike bowler and Steyn is one of the very best around.
The head-to-head between these two rivals is marginally in England’s favour. They have met on 601 occasions over the years in ODI format, with England winning 293 to South Africa’s 281.
Of the last seventeen England v South Africa ODI matches, England have won ten and only lost three with the others being no results.
At around 1.97 on BETDAQ, I’d recommend backing England to build on their good record over South Africa, supported by a vociferous home support.
RECOMMENDATION: (1-10 points)
Back England at around 1.97 on BETDAQ: 6 points
Tuesday: +5.60 points
JUNE RETURN TO DATE: +5.86 points
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