England vs South Africa tips: World Cup odds and predictions

Rahmanullah Gurbaz blasted 80 from 57 balls to lead Afghanistan to a competitive total of 284 from their 50 overs as the England bowlers struggled outside of Adil Rashid’s three for 42. 

England were under pressure from the off in their chase, and despite a valiant knock of 66 from Harry Brook, their batting line-up crumbled amid impressive bowling from Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi. 

Jos Buttler and his team now cannot afford to lose any further games in their bid to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament.

South Africa equally have their problems after suffering a shocking defeat at the hands of Netherlands. The Proteas seemed on course to press for the third win in a row to start the World Cup after reducing the minnows to 140 for seven. 

But, Netherlands rallied through Scott Edwards to reach 245 before Logan van Beek led a brilliant bowling effort to dismiss South Africa for 207. 

The result has blown the tournament open, making the contest between England and South Africa on Saturday 21 October in Mumbai even more important for both teams. 

After looking at the Cricket World Cup odds, here are our predictions for the game. 

Buttler to lead England response

England’s batting has been the source of their dominance in the white-ball game over the last eight years. Buttler has epitomised their attitude, offering fearless striking at all times of the game in pursuit of massive totals.  

However, the England captain has been off the boil at the tournament so far, and put forward another meek effort against Afghanistan as he was bowled for just nine. 

Buttler and coach Matthew Mott have spoken ahead of the game about regaining their confidence with the bat.  

And although Buttler will be arriving down the order, a return to his swashbuckling best could make the difference in adding the extra 30 to 40 runs required against a powerful Proteas batting unit.  

England need their captain at his best in this one and more often than not he delivers when his team needs him the most. We’re backing Buttler to score the most sixes in the match at 5/1 with bet365. 

Will Rabada cause problems? 

Kagiso Rabada has enjoyed a good start to the World Cup taking seven wickets in his opening three games. 

He was the driving force behind the Proteas comfortable win over Australia, claiming the vital wicket of Steve Smith along with Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis in figures of three for 33.  

Rabada is making a solid run to finish the tournament with the most wickets to improve his reputation on the world stage after a lean time in 2019. England will not welcome the sight of the fast bowler. 

The 28-year-old has been a thorn in their side in their previous nine meetings. Rabada has taken 20 wickets at an average of 22.15 against England with a best of four for 39 in 2017. 

He has troubled Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root in the past, which will make him a dangerous operator if he finds his rhythm at the top of the innings. 

We’re backing Rabada to finish as South Africa’s top bowler in the game at odds of 13/5 with Betfred. 

Who will spearhead England bowling unit? 

England’s bowlers have been extremely disappointing at the start of the World Cup outside of two performances from Reece Topley against Bangladesh and Rashid against Afghanistan.  

Chris Woakes and Sam Curran were poor in the defeat to Afghanistan and could make way for the clash with the Proteas. 

England have not been able to sustain pressure on their opponents with the ball, and even Mark Wood has not been firing on all cylinders.  

The pace bowler has claimed three wickets in three matches, taking two for 50 against Afghanistan. 

England need more from their bowlers amid the spotlight of a crucial World Cup showdown. Buttler will be looking to Wood to lead the way given his love of a big occasion and IPL experience. 

After browsing the odds from UK bookmakers, we’re backing Wood to take three wickets or more in the game at 5/2 with Betway. 

Simon Sinclair is an experienced sports journalist, who has written for national publications for football, cricket, NFL and many more. He contributes tips on a wide range of sports for The Independent.