South Africa v England, 1st T20I

27/11/20, 4pm (GMT), Cape Town

WINNER

SOUTH AFRICA – 6/5

v

ENGLAND – 4/6

Match Preview

England return to South Africa nine months after their last trip, which concluded with the tourists claiming a 2-1 win in the three-match T20 series.

The two teams face each other in a repeat of that series, with South Africa at the significant disadvantage of not having played international cricket since the pandemic brought a halt to the calendar shortly after the last series – although several players have appeared in the IPL.

England will be at full strength but have struggled with the bat in their warm-up matches, though their firepower is enough to make any bowler weak at the knees and they all have a point to prove as they battle for a place in the World Cup XI.

The Proteas may be under-prepared – having struggled even for warm-up matches – but with an in-form Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada will pose a real threat to an England side looking for their best combinations.

Our Prediction

Jos Buttler to top score for England – 3/1

Provided Buttler returns to the top of the order – after a brief spell in the middle in the IPL – for England, expect him to make a statement.

He currently averages 51 at the top of the order for England in T20 cricket and will be out to secure that berth ahead of the World Cup.

Series Prediction

England to win 2-1 – 6/4

We expect England’s battle-hardened players to hit the ground running against South Africa, even if there are stodgy wickets that are unlikely to suit the touring batsmen.

Eoin Morgan’s side have developed a habit of winning games from unlikely positions and while we do not expect them to completely outplay South Africa, they should be able to record a series win over a team in something of a transition.