England vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | First T20 International

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After losing the ODI series by two games to one, England are looking to reign supreme in the T20 internationals and they and South African begin a three-match set.

Date/time:

Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales

Weather: A chance of showers disrupting play with temperatures dropping down to 14c.

How to watch: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Willow TV

England vs South Africa prediction

South Africa will have to adjust their line-up with middle-order finisher David Miller out injured. This should see Donovan Ferreira an opportunity as a closer with the bat, a role he performed so well in the Hundred for Oval Invincibles. It’s a very strong Proteas line-up with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada available and an exciting young team full of big ball strikers such as Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.

England have recalled left-arm all-rounder Sam Curran and named him in their starting line-up, which is packed to the brim with the batting. They can’t be faulted when it comes to depth down the order and Jofra Archer provides that speedy point of difference with the ball that Rabada gives South Africa.

But with the forecast in Cardiff looking worrying, a result may be hard to come by. Expect England to bat ultra-aggressively, with should benefit the left-arm seam of Marco Jansen whose height and pace variations can so often lead to wickets. Back Jansen to claim 2+ scalps over the course of this first T20i.

England vs South Africa tip: Marco Jansen to win 2+ wickets