SA vs ENG Dream11 Prediction [Source/: @JoeRoot66Fan, @Hashim__Butt/x.com]
The Champions Trophy 2025 is heating up and all eyes are on Match 11 between South Africa and England which is set to take place at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, March 1. A win here will seal South Africa’s spot in the semi-finals but a slip-up could make things tricky depending on other results.
On the other hand, England is already out of the tournament after two painful defeats. But don’t expect them to roll over as pride is still on the line and they’ll be keen to end their campaign on a high.
South Africa started strong with a 107-run win over Afghanistan, showing their batting firepower and bowling depth. Their next match against Australia was washed out which means they are heading into this clash with a lot to play for.
England, meanwhile, has had a horror run, losing to Australia by five wickets before suffering a shocking eight-run defeat to Afghanistan. While they can’t make the semis, they can certainly play party spoilers for South Africa.
Top 3 Captain And Vice-Captain Choices For SA vs ENG
The National Stadium in Karachi has produced some high-scoring games but bowlers haven’t been completely out of the contest. South Africa successfully defended 315 against Afghanistan while Pakistan chased down 352 at the same venue earlier this month. With a mix of batting-friendly conditions and assistance for bowlers, the surface will be a sporting one. The captain winning the toss will look to bat first.
3. Heinrich Klaasen
Why Will Heinrich Klaasen Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For SA vs ENG?
If you’re looking for an X-factor player, Heinrich Klaasen is your man. He missed South Africa’s opening game due to an elbow issue, but now he’s back, fully fit and raring to go. He has already shown his class at the National Stadium in Karachi during the recent tri-series between South Africa, Pakistan, and New Zealand, where he hammered 87 runs at a strike rate of 155.35.
Klaasen is known for his fearless strokeplay and brutal hitting which makes him the perfect high-risk, high-reward choice for captaincy or vice-captaincy. His ability to tear apart spinners will be crucial in Karachi, especially against England’s slower bowlers. In his last four ODIs, he has racked up 351 runs at an astonishing average of 87.75, with a staggering strike rate of 130. If he gets going, expect him to make a mockery of the English bowling attack.
2. Joe Root
Why Will Joe Root Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For SA vs ENG?
England might be out of the tournament but one man has refused to go down without a fight and that is Joe Root. The classy right-hander has been England’s standout batter in the Champions Trophy, piling up 188 runs in two games at an average of 94. He registered a fighting century against Afghanistan in the last match and a fifty against Australia.
Root’s ability to handle both pace and spin makes him an ideal captain or vice-captaincy option. His match awareness, technique and ability to rotate strike allow him to be effective even when wickets are falling around him. If England wants to trouble South Africa, Root will have to play another rescue act. Given his current form, backing him as captain or vice-captain in your fantasy team could be a masterstroke.
1. Ryan Rickelton
Why Will Ryan Rickelton Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For SA vs ENG?
If South Africa needs a batter to lead from the front, look no further than Ryan Rickelton. The left-hander has been in sublime touch and already made a big statement in this tournament. In his only outing so far, he smashed a 103-run knock off 106 balls against Afghanistan at the very same venue. A hundred in Karachi, on a pitch he already knows well, makes him one of the best captaincy or vice-captaincy choices for this game.
Rickelton’s ability to anchor an innings while scoring at a healthy strike rate makes him a safe yet explosive pick. He doesn’t just build an innings, he accelerates when needed, making him perfect for fantasy points accumulation. With South Africa needing a strong batting show to progress through to Champions Trophy semis, expect Rickelton to step up once again.