Champions Trophy: England Choose to Bat First Against South Africa in Buttler's Farewell as Captain
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Synopsis
In a significant moment, England has won the toss and chosen to bat against South Africa in their final Group B match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, marking Jos Buttler's last game as captain in white-ball cricket.
Key Takeaways
- England opts to bat first against South Africa.
- This is Jos Buttler's final match as captain.
- Saqib Mahmood replaces injured Mark Wood.
- South Africa needs a win to secure semi-final spot.
- Tristan Stubbs opens for South Africa in the batting lineup.
Karachi, March 1 (NationPress) England has won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the concluding Group B clash of the 2025 Champions Trophy at the National Stadium on Saturday. This marks the last occasion Jos Buttler will lead England in white-ball cricket after announcing his resignation on Friday.
A victory for South Africa would secure their place in the semi-finals, allowing them to finish as Group B leaders, while England, already eliminated from the eight-team tournament, aims to conclude a challenging white-ball journey in the subcontinent positively.
After winning the toss, Buttler mentioned that Saqib Mahmood replaces Mark Wood, who is sidelined with a right knee injury. "Looks like a good wicket, with some cracks. It felt like the right moment, no point in delaying that choice. Time to progress."
“There’s a bit of sadness as well; it’s a privilege to captain your country, something one dreams of. I’m honored to do it one last time and hope to leave with a strong performance," he expressed.
South Africa will be captained by Aiden Markram, as regular skipper Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi are unavailable due to illness. Tristan Stubbs will open the innings, with Heinrich Klaasen joining the middle order.
"I’m comfortable chasing against a formidable English side. Not too disappointed. It’s unfortunate that Bavuma and de Zorzi are missing, but we hope for their quick recovery. Our last match against Australia was rained out, but after several training sessions, we are prepared for this game," he stated.
Playing XIs
England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Saqib Mahmood.
South Africa: Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
