After David Miller, another South African ruled out of the T20I series against England

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After David Miller was ruled out due to a right hamstring strain, another South African player, fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, has also been ruled out of the T20I series against England because of a hamstring injury sustained during a practice session in Cardiff.

Ngidi will return home on Thursday, and left-arm pacer Nandre Burger has been named as his replacement.

Burger, although relatively new to the international T20 scene with 4 wickets in 5 matches and an economy rate of 8.89, brings a fresh pace option to the squad. Having previously faced England in the ODI format, Burger will now debut against their T20 batting lineup, underlining South Africa’s commitment to maintaining a pace-heavy attack despite injury challenges. There is no announced timeline yet for Ngidi’s recovery as the medical staff plan cautious management of his rehabilitation.

Adding to South Africa’s woes, star spinner Keshav Maharaj was also ruled out indefinitely following a groin injury sustained during a warm-up session. His absence further weakens the spin bowling department and presents a challenge for the Proteas in finding suitable replacements to control England’s batsmen adept at handling pace and spin.

South Africa’s updated T20I squad: Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Tristan Stubbs, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka

South Africa clinched victory in the opening T20I against England at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens, winning by 14 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected contest. Persistent showers meant the match was reduced to just nine overs per side.

Batting first, South Africa managed 97 for 5 in 7.5 overs before rain halted their innings. Captain Aiden Markram set the tone with a quick 28 off 14 balls, while Donovan Ferreira remained unbeaten on 25 and Dewald Brevis added 23, ensuring the visitors had a competitive score despite the interruptions.

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When play resumed, England was handed a revised target of 69 runs from just five overs. Skipper Jos Buttler provided a glimmer of hope with a blistering 25 from 11 deliveries, striking three sixes, but the hosts never found the momentum required. They eventually finished at 54 for 5, falling short as South Africa’s bowlers held their nerve in tricky conditions.

Both teams relied on their bowlers to make an impact in the shortened clash. Kagiso Rabada and Luke Wood struck early blows, while South Africa’s attack ensured England never truly threatened the target. The rain not only shortened the contest but also increased the pressure on the batting side, as the required run rate remained steep from the outset.

With the win, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the series. The teams will next meet in the second T20I in Manchester on September 12, 2025, where England will look to bounce back.

Also READ: Fans react as South Africa edge England by 14 runs in a rain-hit first T20I at Cardiff