Big Game today of ICC World Cup 2011 Group B : England vs South Africa

After Ireland’s heroics against England on Wednesday night, English team would be hoping to come over it when they meet strong South Africa who are on the top of their game and have just thrashed Netherlands to a 231 runs defeat.

England would be looking to gain the lost points against India and Ireland as West Indies have beaten Bangladesh by a huge margin which takes them on the second position in the Group B point tally with 4 points and impressive net run rate of +2.67 where England is sitting on the fourth position after playing 3 games.

On the other hand, Smith of the other hand is quite confident to get into the next round as his team performing upto the expectation, however he expressed his feelings after the Ireland win over England which was the biggest upset of the world cups so far. He said, “ I saw the game last night and didn’t sleep for an hour after that. We know Ireland can beat the big sides and it was good to see the spirit of the World Cup come alive,”

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who impressed in his debut against the West Indies, also put a good show against Netherlands would be looking to continue with his good form as he took three wickets for 19 against Dutch team with the tail-enders especially struggling to read his variations.

Amla and de Villiers are two of the best batsmen in the world and and batting very well. England bowlers would not want to work in bowling department as as South African batsmen are in top form which makes their team probably the strongest and most balanced side in the competition. De Villiers’s after his second successive hundred against Netherlands would be keen to cash in on his good form.

England team would require Kevin Pietersen to stay longer on the crease because if he stays for 40 overs mammoth score is guaranteed and along with that Strauss would be hoping their bowlers to get into the rhythm specially James Anderson and Stuart Broad.