Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Champions Trophy: England win toss, bat against South Africa

Champions Trophy: England win toss, bat against South Africa

England's Saqib Mahmood in action REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary

DEPARTING England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa in their final Champions Trophy Group B match in Karachi on Saturday (1).

South Africa only need to avoid a big defeat to join Australia from the group in the semi-finals of the 50-over tournament.


But get beaten heavily and Afghanistan could sneak in on net run-rate.

Buttler leads England for the last time after announcing he was stepping down following the two defeats that ended their campaign.

Fast bowler Mark Wood injured his knee and made way for Saqib Mahmood as the only change to the England side that lost to Afghanistan in Lahore.

South Africa were forced to make two changes with skipper Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi both unwell.

Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen came into the side. Aiden Markram took over the captaincy.

India and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals from Group A.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

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

(Reuters)

More For You

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer celebrates the wicket of Jake Weatherald during day one of the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium on November 21, 2025.

Getty Images

Nineteen wickets fall as England gain edge on first day of Ashes Test

NINETEEN wickets fell on the opening day of the first Ashes Test on Friday, with England ending the day in a strong position after being bowled out for 172 and then reducing Australia to 123-9.

Mitchell Starc took 7-58 after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss at Perth Stadium and chose to bat. Harry Brook made 52 and Ollie Pope scored 46, but England were dismissed soon after lunch.

Keep ReadingShow less