1st T20I, England eye redemption against South Africa: Preview
What's the story
As the final leg of the England Men's home international summer approaches, questions loom over both England and South Africa. The two teams will face off in a three-match T20I series, starting Wednesday (September 10) at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens. This comes after England's record-breaking win in the third ODI against South Africa, despite having already conceded the series. Here is the preview of the series opener.
Details
Pitch report and streaming Details
Cardiff's pitch can be tough for spin bowlers due to short straight boundaries. The surface was green a day before, but is expected to get a trim. However, steady rain over the next 24 hours and possibly into the evening could make these concerns irrelevant. Meanwhile, the match is scheduled to start at 11:00pm IST. Fans can catch all the action live on Sony Sports Networks or stream it online via Sony LIV or FanCode app/website.
H2H
Here's the head-to-head record
South Africa have a slight edge over England in terms of head-to-head record in T20Is. As per ESPNcricinfo, across 26 T20I meetings between the two sides, South Africa have claimed 13 wins to England's tally of 12. One match got abandoned due to rain. On English soil, the two teams have squared off 10 times. SA have won five games with England pocketing four (NR: 1). South Africa have won four of their last five T20Is against England.
Team dynamics
Salt, Curran return to England XI
England have announced their Playing XI for the opener. The side sees a return of Phil Salt. He will open alongside Jos Buttler, who batted at number three in the shortest format last year. Sam Curran is one of three pace-bowling options as England have gone with four spin-bowling options. England's Playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, and Jofra Archer.
Team changes
David Miller out of the series
Though the injured David Miller has been ruled out of the series, South Africa have opted not to replace him. This could pave the way for Donovan Ferreira. Keshav Maharaj returns as the main spin option after missing two series while Marco Jansen is set to return after thumb surgery. South Africa's likely Playing XI: Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi.
Performers
Here are the key performers
With 1,371 runs at a strike rate of 151.8, Buttler is the second-highest run-getter in T20 cricket this year. His opening partner Salt owns 1,016 runs this year while striking at an impressive 151.19. Last month, Dewald Brevis slammed the second-fastest T20I century for South Africa, off 41 balls versus Australia. Marco Jansen has scalped 35 T20 wickets in 2025 at an average of 22.40.
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