In what marks Jos Buttler’s last appearance as captain for England, he opted to bat after winning the toss in their Champions Trophy clash against South Africa held in Karachi, Pakistan. Despite this being Buttler’s farewell match in charge, England’s campaign is already over, following losses that saw them fall to Australia by five wickets and Afghanistan by eight runs.
Buttler had announced his intention to relinquish captaincy following England’s unexpected early departure from the tournament, along with previous disappointing outings in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
South Africa finds itself in a must-win scenario for the final group B game. A victory over England will secure their top spot in the group and a place in the semifinals. However, the team has been forced to make adjustments, with regular captain Temba Bavuma and batter Tony de Zorzi sidelined due to illness. Aiden Markram steps in as captain in Bavuma’s place, while Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen have been drafted into the playing XI.
For England, the lineup includes Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood. On the South African side, the team features Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
