The 2023 Cricket World Cup is in full swing, and my England vs. South Africa prediction takes center stage this weekend.
England has made a below-par start to the tournament, suffering two defeats in three games. As for the Proteas, they cruised through their opening two matches before being humbled by the Netherlands during their last time out.
Not only will I share my England vs. South Africa prediction with you, but I will also provide more Cricket World Cup predictions and picks throughout this article. Ready? Let’s go!
2023 Cricket World Cup – Opening Fortnight Recap
Two weeks into the 2023 Cricket World Cup, all 10 teams have played at least three games. New Zealand and Afghanistan are the only nations to have played four matches, and they have experienced contrasting fortunes up to now.
New Zealand sits atop the table after registering four successive victories, while Afghanistan is second from bottom in the standings following three defeats. With three losses and no wins, Sri Lanka is the only side below Afghanistan.
Like New Zealand, India boasts a 100% record thanks to a run of three straight victories. South Africa and Pakistan have both won two of their opening three games, while England, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Netherlands have recorded one win and two defeats.
As it stands, New Zealand and India are in pole position to qualify for the semi-finals. It is worth remembering, however, that the group stage concludes on November 12, meaning there is still a long way to go.
Now that you’re up to speed on what’s happened so far let’s dive into my England vs. South Africa prediction.
India and New Zealand are the early pacesetters as other sides start making their moves 👊
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 18, 2023
Which teams will secure a critical top-four spot at #CWC23? pic.twitter.com/77oJPqcBfF
England vs. South Africa Prediction
Odds: England (-138); South Africa (+105)
The bookies favor England to triumph at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, October 21, leaving South Africa as the underdog. That said, the moneyline odds don’t tell the full story.
England, the defending World Cup champion, has struggled to make an impact so far. After enduring a nine-wicket thrashing at the hands of New Zealand in their opening match, the English cruised to a comfortable 137-run victory over Bangladesh.
However, the reigning champs found themselves on the wrong end of one of the biggest World Cup upsets of all time last weekend. Chasing Afghanistan’s total of 284, England was bowled out for just 215 in New Delhi.
South Africa was also on the receiving end of a shock result last time out, as the Netherlands stunned the Proteas in Dharamshala. The Dutch made 245/8 in a rain-disrupted first innings, while South Africa was bowled out for 207.
Still, there is no hiding the fact that South Africa dominated their first two games. After thrashing Sri Lanka by 102 runs in their opener, the Proteas crushed Australia by 134 runs, with Quinton de Kock smashing back-to-back centuries.
The South Africans looked unbeatable after the opening two matches, but they showed a chink in their armor against the Netherlands. Similarly, we have already seen the best and the worst of England at this year’s World Cup.
So, what is my England vs. South Africa prediction? Well, I’m backing the defending champions to spring into life this weekend. Following a couple of below-par performances, world-class stars like Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Jonny Bairstow will be eager to make their mark.
England vs. South Africa Prediction and Pick: England (-138)
More Cricket World Cup Predictions for This Weekend
Don’t worry. You have a bit of time before you need to lock in your England vs. South Africa prediction. The clash of the weekend goes down this Saturday, but we have two matches to enjoy – and bet on – before then.
On Friday, October 20, Australia and Pakistan will do battle in Bangalore. We then have an intriguing clash between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka to get our teeth into, with both sides aiming to climb the standings.
You’ve had my England vs. South Africa prediction. It’s now time for me to share my Australia vs. Pakistan prediction, in addition to my Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka prediction.
Australia vs. Pakistan Prediction
Odds: Australia (-188); Pakistan (+140)
The Aussies started their World Cup campaign in the worst possible manner, suffering back-to-back defeats against India and South Africa. On Monday, however, Australia bounced back with a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
By contrast, Pakistan kicked off their campaign with successive wins over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka before losing to India last time out. The Shaheens found life easy against the lesser nations, but they struggled against their old rivals.
Friday’s showdown looks destined to be a close-fought battle between two strong ODI teams. Australia is the bookies’ favorite, but Pakistan will be hopeful of inflicting a third World Cup defeat on the out-of-form Aussies.
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Netherlands vs. Sri Lanka Prediction
Odds: Netherlands (+275); Sri Lanka (-450)
The Netherlands will be brimming with belief after their historic victory over South Africa on Tuesday. Scott Edwards (78*) starred with the bat, while Logan van Beek (3/60) and Roelof van der Merwe (2/34) completed the job with the ball.
On the flip side, Sri Lanka is down in the dumps following three straight defeats. Although the Sri Lankans pushed South Africa and Pakistan all the way, they endured a comprehensive loss against Australia on Monday.
This matchup sees two of the bottom three sides lock horns in Lucknow. Sri Lanka is the clear favorite in the eyes of the bookies, but the Dutch will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds in back-to-back games.
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Finalize Your England vs. South Africa Prediction
Following a fortnight of thrilling action, the 2023 Cricket World Cup is beginning to heat up. We have already been treated to countless memorable matches, and the excitement will only build as the tournament progresses.
Having taken everything into account, I’m happy with my England vs. South Africa prediction. I’m backing England’s star-studded team to secure the victory on Saturday, but you will need to sign in to access the rest of my Cricket World Cup picks.
The good news is that we still have another month of Cricket World Cup action ahead of us. I will be sharing Cricket World Cup predictions and betting advice throughout the tournament, so be sure to stick with Sports Hub. Read our last prediction on India vs. Pakistan.
