ENG vs SA, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Imran Tahir vs Jos Buttler and Other Exciting Mini Battles to Watch Out for at the Oval in London

England faces South Africa in a blockbuster opening match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at the Kennington Oval Stadium on May 30 (Thursday). England, ranked number one ODI team in the world, start the tournament as the over-whelming favourites – four years after their group stage debacle in the same competition. England vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match Preview: ENG Aim to Dominate SA in CWC 2019 Opener.

But South Africa are no pushovers, and in their rank possess the most lethal bowling attack of the tournament to complement their solid top-order. The unfortunate injury of pace spearhead Dale Steyn, however, disrupts their plan to halt the rampaging English opening pair Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow. It also adds extra pressure on the young Kagiso Rabada to lead the Proteas bowling attack.

With so many cricketing talents squaring against each other, the game promises to provide a fitting start to the one and a half month long tournament. And could be decided by fine margins. Let’s take a look at some of the mini-battles that can affect the results of the game. ENG vs SA, ICC Cricket World Cup Match 1, Key Players: Jonny Bairstow, Faf du Plessis, Ben Stokes And Other Cricketers to Watch Out for at The Oval.

Kagiso Rabada vs Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow

He might only be 24, but Kagiso Rabada is already among the top young fast bowlers. He can knock down batsmen with a fiery bouncer and can land a perfect yorker the very next delivery. Rabada's raw speed is alone enough to destroy teams at this World Cup.

The pair of Roy and Bairstow have strike-rates over 180 in the opening 10 overs. With seven century-run partnerships between them, the duo is already top opening pair this year and haven't looked back ever since the 2017 Champions League Trophy semi-final against Pakistan when Roy and Bairstow opened batting together for the first time. England vs South Africa Betting Odds: Free Bet Odds, Predictions and Favourites During ENG vs SA in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match 1.

Rabada in the absence of Steyn will be tasked in not just containing the run-flow bit also getting the important breakthrough. The last time South Africa faced England in England, Rabada had them reeling at 20/6 and will be hoping for the same come May 30.

Imran Tahir vs Jos Buttler

This promises to be the biggest battle of the match. A 40-year-old leg-spinner bowling to the most devastating finisher in international cricket at the present time. If Rabada can have his way through the English top-order, it is certain that South Africa skipper Faf Du Plessis will throw the ball to his experienced war-horse against Buttler at the crease.

The wicketkeeper-batsman averages 50+ since the 2015 World Cup and have scored 2251 runs in 61 ODI matches. But will not find it easy to score against the crafty Tahir, who at 40 is playing his final World Cup. The leg spinner has always been South Africa’s main wicket-taking option and is currently in the form of his life. Tahir won the Purple Cap – awarded to the best bowler – in the just concluded 2019 Indian Premier League season after taking 26 wickets for finalists Chennai Super Kings.

Jofra Archer vs Quinton de Kock

Both are young and among the important players of their respective teams. But, while one is a debutant, the other is already an experienced campaigner. , Quinton De Cock, in the absence of AB De Villiers and the poor form of Hasim Amla, is one of South Africa’s most dependent batsman. He will be central to South Africa’s World Cup hopes. Since the 2015 World Cup, De Cock has scored eight centuries and is another batsman to average over 50 in ODI cricket in the last four years.

But against debutant Jofra Archer’s ability, De Cock will not have the freedom to accelerate. Apart from swinging the ball, Archer also has pace and an excellent Yorker in his armour. He will certainly open the bowling for England and take on De Cock.

Adil Rashid vs Faf du Plessis

Adil Rashid has taken the highest number of wickets since the last World Cup. His ability to pick-up regular wickets despite going for runs has helped England skipper Eoin Morgan keep his faith. Although Rashid does not spin the ball much, he has varying lengths to trouble the batsman.

Faf, on the other, is leading South African charge at this World Cup. Unlike yesteryears, the Africans do not bat deep and that puts extra responsibility on Du Plessis. But he will be up against Rashid, who has been in terrific form. Du Plessis not only needs to bat deep into the innings but also carry his weak batting line-up with him.

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South Africa has always had the upper hand on England, every time both these sides have met in limited overs cricket. But in England, the Proteas have always suffered ever since Allan Donald was left stranded in the middle of the crease without a bat at the 1999 World Cup in England. In 25 matches, South Africa have won just eight times in England, with the latter winning 15.

The fortune might change this time around but South Africa will have to overcome the hosts in the opening match.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 30, 2019 11:26 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).