SA vs ENG, 3RD ODI: Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, Live Streaming

South Africa have already clinched the series [Associated Press]

The series between South Africa and the world champions, England was expected to be a riveting affair, but as it stands, the Proteas have already clinched the ODI series, with a game still left to be played. 

A Temba Bavuma special steered the home side past the winning line in the second ODI, and you can think that with the skipper back amongst the runs, the home team have all the boxes ticked when it comes to the 50-over format.

England have lost five ODIs in a row now (3 against Australia, 2 vs South Africa), and look clueless, especially in the bowling attack. This is not the same England team we saw in the T20 World Cup. The confidence is at an all-time low, and with the World Cup defence just around the corner, Matthew Mott and Jos Buttler have a lot to ponder upon.

Jofra Archer made his much awaited comeback in the first game, but after a poor outing, he was dropped from the side. Expect the pace gun to return, especially with England looking to salvage their pride. The batters have performed exceedingly well, but the bowlers keep giving nightmares to the team management.

Talking about South Africa, they needed to win this series 3-0 to stay alive in the World Cup qualification scenario, and at-least they have taken one step towards their target with the series already in their bag. 

Chasing a mammoth 343, South Africa needed a special knock and Bavuma did just that for his side. Under pressure and scrutinised by the cricketing fraternity, he responded with a majestic hundred and answered back his critics in style.

South Africa will be eyeing a series whitewash over the World Champions.

Match Preview

Date and Time: February 1, 4:30 PM IST

Venue: Diamond Oval, Kimberley, South Africa

Live Telecast/Streaming: Star Sports, Disney + Hotstar

Pitch Report

Just like the first two games, which were played in Bloemfontein, the pitch at the Diamond Oval will be good for batting. Traditionally, South African pitches produce good bounce, and expect the same from this surface. Pacers will get the assistance at the top, so they need to utilise the conditions.

Key players

• Temba Bavuma: He scored a quick-fire 36 in the first ODI and responded in style by scoring a terrific ton in the second game. The skipper is oozing in confidence and expect him to fire all cylinders once again.
• Olly Stone: Came in as a replacement for Archer and justified his selection with 2 crucial wickets. In a high-scoring game, Stone went for just 48 runs and was England's best bowler by a country mile.

Probable XI

SA: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

ENG: Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Olly Stone, Reece Topley/Jofra Archer

Prediction

Despite the team England has put up, they have failed to live up to the expectations. South Africa have ticked all the boxes and expect the home team to clinch the series 3-0.

Also Read: The concept of online coaching by a foreign coach is beyond comprehension: Shahid Afridi