England’s Oval record could secure Champions Trophy final berth

England secured their place in this semi-final with a victory against New Zealand, before Sri Lanka’s narrow 20-run success over Australia saw Ashley Giles’ men advance as group winners.

Their reward is a supposedly easier tie against Group B runners-up South Africa, one they are 4/5 to win.

The hosts have a fine ODI record at The Oval, winning five of their previous six in south London, including a four-wicket victory over South Africa in August 2012.

The English have suffered just one defeat on home soil to the Proteas in their last 12 meetings in this form of the game and have taken the spoils in 11 of 15 at the Kennington ground.

Their opponents are fortunate to be present here, after a rain affected tie with the West Indies saw the Duckworth Lewis method work in their favour.

They are evens to win on a ground where they have been defeated on their previous four outings.

Alastair Cook has been an example of consistency throughout this Champions Trophy averaging 51 runs over his three innings, making him the fourth highest runscorer.

The England skipper is 10/3 to lead the way for his country with the bat once again, and 8/1 to be bestowed with man of the match award.

South Africa have the ICC’s two top ranked batsmen in the shape of AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla. It has been the former who has notched the runs so far hitting 138, while Amla has registered the higher score, bludgeoning 81 against Pakistan.

The two are 4/1 and 3/1 respectively to be top South African batsmen in this one.

Ryan McLaren has been a bright spark for SA. The seamer has taken eight wickets so far and even chipped in with a magnificent 71 not out against the Indians despite defeat.

The 30-year-old’s impressive figures with the ball and his ability to notch runs with the bat make him a tempting proposition at 16/1 to man of the match.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.