South Africa v England ODI Betting Preview – 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

England’s loss to Afghanistan on Wednesday means they are eliminated from the Champions Trophy.

South Africa can progress to the semi-finals with a win in Karachi on Saturday after an emphatic win over Afghanistan and a washout against Australia.

It’s likely the end of an era for England’s white-ball team – Jos Buttler’s comments after the midweek loss suggest he is considering resignation, and a few older players could be playing their last match in the format.

Buttler said, “I don’t want to make any emotional statements, but I think it’s fair to say we’ve got to consider all possibilities…

“When the results are not going well you do look in the mirror and ask if I’m part of the problem or part of the solution. That is what we’ve got to work out.”

Despite England winning only one of their last nine ODIs, they are only narrow underdogs for this contest in the latest cricket odds at William Hill.

South Africa’s form hasn’t been much better, aside from the win over Afghanistan. They were swept by Pakistan earlier this year and lost both of their tri-series matches against Pakistan and New Zealand in their tournament warm-up.

England, though, have nothing to play for here. Mark Wood and Brydon Carse are unavailable through injury. Phil Salt, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler are short of form with the bat. It’s hard to put a positive spin on this for Buttler’s team, particularly after blowing phenomenally strong live betting positions in their last two matches.

South Africa to win – 5/4

It’s win-or-go-home for South Africa. They smashed 315 against Afghanistan on this ground a few days ago led by a dominant ton from Ryan Rickelton and three half-centuries from the middle-order.

Afghanistan were skittled. The wickets were shared around, including three for Kagiso Rabada.

England are in a real rut in white-ball cricket. Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer are the only players to have impressed in the Champions Trophy, with many others in prolonged slumps.

South Africa to hit the most sixes – 4/5

England conceded 12 sixes to Afghanistan and only hit three. In the opening match, England hit two fewer than Australia. South Africa comfortably out-sixed Afghanistan in their opening contest at this Champions Trophy.

This England bowling attack has struggled to keep the ball inside the ropes. Batters have used the pace from their quicks, and their spinners have been easy to dispatch, with Liam Livingstone and Joe Root being attacked relentlessly.

South Africa have a more talented, varied bowling attack. Their batting lineup has at least as much six-hitting power.

Rehan Ahmed to be England’s top bowler – 18/5

It’s time for England to plan for the future. Part of those plans should be to finally give Rehan Ahmed an uninterrupted run in the side after spending too much time as an unused squad member.

England are – rightly – not ready to move on from Adil Rashid, but there’s plenty of room for two leggies in this XI given Ahmed’s ability with the bat. He might just be the all-rounder England have been looking for.

Facing a South Africa team more comfortable against pace than spin, it makes sense to bring Ahmed into the XI for this match. His variations could trouble South Africa in the middle overs.