England vs South Africa Cricket World Cup - England big-hitters to take Proteas bowlers to task

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 28 May 2019

Ralph Staniforth 28 May 2019

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Quinton de Kock set for runs in World Cup opener at The Oval

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Jos Buttler is among the best six hitters on the world and is tipped to help England hit more sixes than South Africa (Getty Images)

England vs South Africa Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream

The 2019 Cricket World Cup opening fixture promises to be a humdinger at The Oval between England and South Africa. With both sides in good form an outright win bet is risky bet, but England have the best power-hitters and are my pick in the most sixes market.

South Africa's Quinton de Kock has a good record against England and he is currently in fine form. He is my tip to scoere over 38.5 runs at 1.90.

England Form & Team News

England’s form coming into the World Cup on home soil could hardly have been better. They defeated Pakistan 4-0 in a five match series leading up to the tournament which just further proved their credentials as favourites.

Despite a warm up match defeat to Australia, England rectified matters with a convincing win over Afghanistan at The Oval in their last warm up match.Afghanistan only mustered 160 as Joe Root and Jofra Archer took three wickets each. In reply Jason Roy smashed the Afghan bowlers as he scored 89 not out with England cruising to a nine wicket victory.

Over the last 18 months no team in world cricket has out hit England in sixes. Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Johnny Bairstow and Jason Roy are all among the top ten six hitters in the world.

Given this record I think there is value in England to hit the most sixes in this game at 1.70 rather than England to win this match at 1.44.

quinton de kock playing a shot — Quinton de Kock predicted to score more than 38.5 runs in World Cup opener against England (Getty Images)

South Africa Form & Team News

South Africa’s form has been impressive coming into the World Cup too, albeit probably not as exciting as that of the hosts. In 2019 they have played 10 ODI matches and won eight.

The form of some key players has improved over the warm up games against Sri Lanka, especially the form of opener Hashim Amla. He has scored two fifties in the two games against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

South African fast bowler, Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the opener against England due to injury which may open the door for late call-up Chris Morris to get a start. Unfortunately their last warm up game against the Windies was rained out after Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla had put on an opening partnership of 95.

The swashbuckling South African left-handed opener Quinton de Kock has been in good form this year scoring 529 runs in IPL 2019. He also averages 66.14 against England in eight ODI’s so I’m tipping him to score more than 38.5 runs at 1.90

De Kock has also been tipped to finish the World Cup as the top run scorer by Free Tips. I think it’s risky going for the Proteas to win outright at 2.45 but contests have been pretty even between the two sides in the recent past so some might fancy a dip at it.

England vs South Africa Head to Head

England and South Africa have faced off on 59 occasions since 1992 in ODI cricket with the two teams evenly matched. The English have won on 26 occasions and South Africa on 29.

Recent history doesn’t provide much of a clue to the winner here either with each winning four of the last eight encounters. England have managed to win two of their last three ODI’s in England against South Africa.

England vs South Africa Match Up

In Johnny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Jason Roy and Eoin Morgan England possess some of the finest six hitters in the game. That along with the subtlety of Joe Root gives the English great balance in their batting line-up.

South Africa are perennial underachievers at the World Cup but the English will certainly not take them likely. With Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Imran Tahir the South Africans will test the England batsmen more than most international sides.

England vs South Africa Key Statistics

South Africa’s Quinton de Kock averages 66.14 against England in ODI’s.
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock averages 45.6 in all ODI’s.
South Africa’s Quinton de Kock scored the 3rd most runs (529) in IPL 2019.
South Africa have no batsmen in the top ten 6 hitters in the world since the start of 2018.
England have 4 batsmen in the top ten 6 hitters in the world since the start of 2018.

Verdict

It's tough to call an outright winner between England and South Africa but there is value in backing England’s power-hitters to hit the most sixes at 1.70.

South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock is tipped to continue his fine form and score more than 38.5 runs at 1.90.

Best Bet: England to Hit Most Sixes @ 1.70 at bet365 – 4 Units

Value Bet: Quinton de Kock Over 38.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 – 2 Units