England vs South Africa ICC World Cup 2023 betting preview and predictions

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is just around the corner and one of the most anticipated matches is the clash between England and South Africa on October 21, 2023. Both teams have a rich history of rivalry and have faced each other in the finals of the previous two editions of the tournament. Who will come out on top this time? Here is a betting preview and some predictions for this exciting encounter.

Head-to-head record

England and South Africa have played each other 63 times in ODIs, with England winning 31 matches and South Africa winning 30 matches. Two matches ended in a tie and one was abandoned. In World Cup matches, they have met seven times, with England winning four matches and South Africa winning three matches.

The last time they faced each other in a World Cup match was in the final of the 2019 edition, where South Africa thrashed England by 32 runs to lift their first ever trophy. England had beaten South Africa by 104 runs in the opening match of the same tournament.

The most recent ODI series between the two teams was in February 2023, where England toured South Africa for three matches. England won the series 2-1, with Harry Brook scoring a century in the third match to seal the series.

Team news and form

England are the current No.1 ranked ODI team in the world and have a formidable batting line-up that can score big runs on any surface. Jos Buttler is their captain and wicket-keeper, and he is also one of their most explosive batsmen. He is supported by the likes of Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Phil Salt, James Vince and Moeen Ali, who can all change the course of a match with their hitting abilities.

England’s bowling attack is led by Jofra Archer, who is one of the fastest and most lethal bowlers in the world. He is complemented by Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid, who offer variety and skill in different conditions.

England have won nine out of their last 10 ODI matches, with their only loss coming against India in March 2023. They have also won four out of their last five World Cup matches, with their only loss coming against South Africa in the 2019 final.

South Africa are the defending champions and the No.2 ranked ODI team in the world. They have a balanced team that can adapt to any situation and challenge any opponent. Aiden Markram is their captain and opener, and he is also their leading run-scorer in ODIs since the last World Cup. He is accompanied by Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who form a solid middle-order.

South Africa’s bowling attack is spearheaded by Anrich Nortje, who is one of the most consistent and accurate bowlers in the world. He is backed up by Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi and Andile Phehlukwayo, who provide pace, swing, spin and variations.

South Africa have won eight out of their last 10 ODI matches, with their only losses coming against England and India in February 2023. They have also won five out of their last six World Cup matches, with their only loss coming against India in June 2019.

Betting odds and tips

According to Sports Brief, South Africa are the favourites to win this match, with odds of -12.5 points. England are the underdogs, with odds of +12.5 points. The total points for this match are set at 43.5.

Based on the head-to-head record, team news and form, we predict that South Africa will win this match by a narrow margin. They have a slight edge over England in terms of experience, confidence and momentum. However, England are not to be underestimated, as they have some big game players who can turn things around in their favour.

We suggest betting on South Africa to win this match outright or with a -12.5 point spread. We also suggest betting on the over for the total points, as both teams have strong batting line-ups that can score heavily.

Conclusion

England vs South Africa is one of the most exciting matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Both teams are among the favourites to win the tournament and have a fierce rivalry that dates back to decades. We expect a close contest that will go down to the wire, but we predict that South Africa will emerge victorious and continue their dominance over England in World Cup matches.