South Africa and England are gearing up for a showdown in Match 11 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday, March 1. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, this encounter carries immense significance, particularly for South Africa. A victory will officially seal their place in the semi-finals, further solidifying their strong campaign.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler‘s England find themselves in deep trouble, having suffered consecutive losses and remaining the only team yet to secure a point in the tournament. With nothing but pride to play for, the struggling England side will be desperate to salvage their campaign with a consolatory win. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to continue their dominant run and ensure a smooth passage to the knockouts. With the Karachi pitch favoring high-scoring games, an intense contest between bat and ball is expected.
ODI Stats and Records at National Stadium:
- Total matches: 80
- Matches won batting first: 38
- Matches won bowling first: 39
- Average 1st innings score: 241
- Average 2nd inning score: 245
- Highest total recorded: 374/4 (50 Overs) by India vs Hongkong
- Lowest total recorded: 93/10 (40.4 Overs) by Pakistan Women vs Sri Lanka Women
- Highest score chased: 355/4 (49 Overs) by Pakistan vs South Africa
- Lowest score defended: 123/10 (45.2 Overs) by Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women
National Stadium Pitch Report
The National Stadium in Karachi has earned a reputation for producing high-scoring encounters, thanks to its batting-friendly pitch with consistent bounce. The first two matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at this venue saw teams comfortably crossing the 300-run mark, highlighting the favorable conditions for batters. The pitch offers true bounce, allowing stroke players to time the ball well and accumulate runs with ease.
However, bowlers who maintain disciplined lines and variations can still find success, especially under the lights when there might be some movement. Given the track record of this venue, the team winning the toss is expected to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition. With both England and South Africa boasting strong batting lineups, fans can anticipate a high-scoring thriller in this crucial encounter.
Also READ: SA vs ENG: South Africa and England’s playing XI for the Champions Trophy 2025 – Predicted
Karachi Weather Forecast
The ICC Champions Trophy match between England and South Africa is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a day of clear skies and abundant sunshine, with no rain expected to disrupt play. The temperature is anticipated to peak at 28°C during the afternoon, accompanied by moderate heat and humidity. As the evening progresses, temperatures are expected to drop to a comfortable 18°C . Players and spectators should be prepared for approximately 9 hours of bright sunshine throughout the day A gentle breeze averaging around 15 km/h may provide some relief from the warmth. Overall, the weather conditions appear favorable for an exciting day of cricket in Karachi.