Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

CWC 2019 Match 1: England vs South Africa Preview Dream11. ENG vs SA Preview Dream11 Prediction

The build up has been big. Opinions rife. Talk plenty. Many have tried to piece together a possible top four in what promises to be a hugely competitive World Cup. Myself included. But now, it’s time for action, and there is no doubt if the weather holds, we’ll be in for an absolute beauty first up.

England, who have been falling like flies at different times in the past week, enter the tournament as favourites. Project 2019, four years in length, now reaches the “final assessment” stage, with Eoin Morgan’s men looking to become the first England side ever to bring the World Cup home. A potential blockbuster will be sure to keep England on their toes, with a first up win important to find momentum early in a big campaign. How will they handle such a big occasion?

South Africa are perhaps too experienced to be considered a ‘dark horse’ in this year’s World Cup. However, they aren’t expected to lift the trophy, unlike previous editions where better was expected of them. This could work to the Proteas’ benefit, who have shown some fine form in the Warm-up matches. Hashim Amla in particular created excitement among fans, and his contribution in this first game will be crucial, along with South Africa’s potent bowling attack that makes it almost impossible to not consider them for a top four spot. Can Faf du Plessis’ men make a big statement first up by knocking off the tournament favourites?

Also read: My 5 big predictions for World Cup 2019! Which do you think will come true?

Key to an England win

The battle between England’s batting and South Africa’s bowling is a mouthwatering prospect. England have taken apart many attacks in their rise to the top over the past four years, but the challenge now is to transfer that form onto the big stage against a good attack. Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow continued their fine form in the huge Warm-up win over Afghanistan, and these two will be key in getting the better of South Africa’s seamers early. A key trend in 2019 is that when England have had a strong powerplay, they often go on to score a big total, such is the strength of their middle order which includes Jos Buttler. However, when they have had shaky starts, they haven’t scored big. Can they get it right in the opening game?

Also, the concern with England is whether their bowling attack can deliver glory. A good test presents them first up, with South Africa possessing a batting lineup that can hurt any side on its day. The inclusion of Jofra Archer certainly strengthens England, and a strong start is what Eoin Morgan will be after. Specifically, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis will be the key wickets, and if England can get the better of South Africa’s top order, it sets the game up. Eyes will be on the likes of Mark Wood and Chris Woakes to help Jofra Archer in leading the attack, giving Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes a platform to work off.

Key to a South Africa win

Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis have scored 40% of South Africa’s ODI runs in 2019. There is no questioning the importance of these two, and both will be vital in helping set up a strong total. However, South Africa need a cohesive batting effort. Hashim Amla has looked in good touch and will be crucial in taming England at the top. Rassie van der Dussen, still young in international cricket, needs the support of his experienced colleagues. In addition to the top order needing to step up, the same applies in the middle, with David Miller a player that simply has to step up for South Africa along with JP Duminy. Can the Proteas ensure he and the all-rounders are tasked with finishing the innings off well?

Also, how will South Africa’s attack fare against the strongest batting lineup? With Dale Steyn ruled out of this clash, much rests on Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. They will undoubtedly be key, followed by the ever-energetic Imran Tahir who will be tasked with keeping England quiet in the middle overs. Also, can the likes of Andile Phehlukwayo provide effective support that has South Africa bowling as a well-rounded unit? Who out of Chris Morris or Dwaine Pretorius will get the nod? Can they keep the brilliant Jos Buttler quiet, along with various others in the England side?

Possible Playing 11

England have had some injury concerns in the past week, but none have been too serious. Mark Wood and Eoin Morgan were the two biggest concerns, but both have been cleared of serious injury. Mark Wood has been deemed fit for the tournament opener, but Liam Plunkett has been in some wicket-taking form.

England: 1. Jason Roy, 2. Jonny Bairstow, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Jos Buttler (wk), 6. Ben Stokes, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Chris Woakes, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood/Liam Plunkett

Also read: Five players to watch out for in the 2019 Cricket World Cup!

For South Africa, Dale Steyn has been ruled out. So, should it be Chris Morris or Dwaine Pretorius to take his place? Also, David Miller has officially missed out on the team.

South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. JP Duminy, 6. Aiden Markram, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Chris Morris/Dwaine Pretorius, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Imran Tahir

Pitch and conditions

The forecast for Thursday in London is mostly cloudy, which could possibly aid swing in the early overs. Thankfully (and hopefully), showers should be limited. In relation to the pitch, expect a good batting track to be prepared – the kind that have allowed England’s batsmen to play with great freedom over the last few years.

Dream11 Prediction

Also read: My 5 big predictions for World Cup 2019! Which do you think will come true?

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 6, England 4, South Africa 2.
• South Africa’s last ODI assignment in England was a 2-1 defeat in 2017. However, the Proteas won the third game of that series, bowling England out for 153 at Lord’s.
• England have scored four of the five 400+ totals since the 2015 World Cup.

Match Prediction

What a quality match to kick off the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

Both sides will be out to put in a big performance. South Africa have it in them to cause England problems, but I think England will start their tournament off with a win on the back of a good batting effort.

Thanks for reading!

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