ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Why is Temba Bavuma not included in South Africa playing XI vs England

Aiden Markram is captaining South Africa instead of Temba Bavuma.

The 11th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and England got underway in Karachi on Saturday, March 1.

This is the final group stage match from Group B. From this group, Australia have already secured their place in the semi-finals, while South Africa are all but qualified for the semi-finals. They will advance to the semi-finals if they win this game or else make sure they don’t lose by a margin of more than 207 runs.

South Africa are coming to this game with three points from two matches. They defeated Afghanistan by 107 runs in their first game, while their second match against Australia was washed out due to rain. England, on the other hand, have lost both their matches against Australia and Afghanistan and will look to win a game for outgoing captain Jos Buttler.

Fans were left confused at the toss when Aiden Markram came out for South Africa instead of regular captain Temba Bavuma.

Why is Temba Bavuma not included in South Africa playing XI vs England

Stand-in captain Markram confirmed at the toss that Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi are missing today’s game due to illness. They have been replaced by Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen in the playing XI. Stubbs will open the innings with Ryan Rickelton.

England have also made one change, with Mark Wood missing the game due to injury. He has been replaced by speedster Saqib Mahmood. After winning the toss, Jos Buttler, in his last match as England’s ODI captain, decided to bat first.

SA vs ENG: Playing XI of both teams

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

England: Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Saqib Mahmood.

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