CricBattle Daily Fantasy Cricket League Tips

South Africa vs England on January 27

South Africa will lock horns with England in the first game of the three-match ODI series at Mangaung Oval on Friday, January 27. The last time both heavyweight nations took center stage in the 50-over format in South Africa was back in February 2020 and the series ended in a stalemate with two teams winning a game each. England got whitewashed in their previous ODI assignment, which was against Australia on the latter’s turf. They would look to bring their A-game into play when they clash against the Proteas. Temba Bavuma & Co. have a formidable team, packed with match-winners and one can expect a nail-biting contest between the two sides. England have been in stupendous form of late regardless of the format they have played in recent times. Jos Buttler’s men have dominated all three formats and it won’t be a surprise if they win the opener and take a 1-0 series lead.

Best economical pick – Chris Woakes has been doing an excellent work for England in this format in the past 7 years or so. He can also contribute with the bat if needed and one of the best ODI bowlers going around.

Top captains & vice captains – Jos Buttler has been a ferocious striker of the cricket ball in the white-ball circuit. He has destroyed bowling attacks with his swashbuckling stroke play and piled on runs for fun. The wicketkeeper-batter displayed his batting might in the SA20 2023 as well, plundering 285 runs in eight games. Thus, it would not be a surprise if he puts up a show in the first ODI. Quinton de Kock is one of the top ranked ODI batsmen in the world. He has extraordinary numbers against England in this format. He is coming after a decent SA20 league. He has to fire for South Africa if they have to compete in this series.

Smart pick – Anrich Nortje has clocked speeds of over 145 kmph on a consistent basis and rattled batters with his fiery pace. He wreaked havoc in the SA20 2023, picking up 13 scalps in seven games. Given the speedster is in good bowling form, he can weave the magic with the ball in the encounter against England.

Cautious Pick – England speedster Jofra Archer is set to make a return to action after being sidelined for over a year due to an elbow injury. It would be risky for you if you pick him in your fantasy team.

My XI – Jos Buttler (Captain), Quinton de Kock (Vice-Captain), Anrich Nortje, Chris Woakes, Rassie van der Dussen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reece Topley, Harry Brook, Aiden Markram, Sam Curran, David Miller