South Africa vs England Playing 11: Will Heinrich Klaasen join Temba Bavuma & Co?

South Africa’s wait for a semifinal berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has been extended after Australia’s match against Afghanistan was washed out on Friday. South Africa will look to secure their semifinal spot with a strong performance, while England aims to finish their campaign on a positive note.

The Proteas, boasting a superior net run rate, are unlikely to be eliminated unless England secures an improbable victory by over 200 runs—something that seems highly unlikely given England’s current form in the tournament.

South Africa will reportedly be boosted by the return of Heinrich Klaasen, who is expected to play his first match of the tournament after recovering from injury. His inclusion could further strengthen an already in-form batting unit featuring Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. If Klaasen returns, Tony de Zorzi is likely to sit out.


With England already eliminated, they might opt for a single change. Mark Wood is reportedly set to sit out due to injury, with Saqib Mahmood likely replacing him. Mahmood had a solid showing in England’s recent ODI and T20I series against India, where he dismissed Rohit Sharma in the first ODI.

South Africa vs England: Predicted Playing XI

England (Likely XI): Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.

South Africa (Likely XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.