In the first encounter, co-host Sri Lanka will meet England at Pallekele. The match will start at 2.30 pm.

Sri Lanka need to play sensibly against England, especially after their shock defeat to Zimbabwe.

In the second encounter — being billed as the biggest clash of the tournament so far — India will take on South Africa in Ahmedabad. The match will start at 6.30 pm.

India and South Africa are two of only three unbeaten teams, as they lock horns to commence their respective Super 8 campaigns.

The match is important for South Africa, who lost to India in the 2024 final.

However, South African veteran Quinton de Kock sounded confident ahead of the clash, noting a calm and settled atmosphere within the team.

“The team is quite settled,” de Kock told the media. “We’ve been in Ahmedabad for a while, and that has helped us adapt to the conditions. I’m feeling refreshed after taking a break from international cricket, and it’s great to be back playing with the boys.”

South Africa has already played three group-stage matches at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, and de Kock believes the experience will prove beneficial.

While acknowledging India’s familiarity with the venue, he believes South Africa is well-prepared to face the host nation.

“These wickets have been more seamer-friendly, and the spin hasn’t been as dominant,” he added.

De Kock has been in strong form, scoring 59 runs against Afghanistan, while opener Aiden Markram impressed with an unbeaten 86* against New Zealand.

De Kock credited Markram’s recent success to the clarity in his role as an opening batsman.

“I think the clarity in his role has really helped him. In the past, he had to adapt to various positions, but now he’s settled at the top of the order.”

Reflecting on South Africa’s loss in the 2024 final, de Kock revealed that the team quickly moved on from the disappointment.

“We didn’t really talk about it. Everyone went home and dealt with it in their own way.”

As both teams prepare for the Super 8 clash, all eyes will be on Ahmedabad to see who emerges as the leader in this pivotal tournament encounter.