ENG vs SA 2025: England vs South Africa 2nd T20I Match Preview

Published - 11 Sept 2025, 18:23 IST | Updated - 11 Sept 2025, 18:52 IST

Hosts England (ENG) will be going head-to-head against South Africa (SA) for the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series on Friday, September 12. This all-important encounter is scheduled to be held in a setting of the iconic venue at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

England did not go terribly wrong in the opening match of the 20-over leg, however, they could not turn moments into a victory, as the rain-curtailed encounter also played a bit against their favour. Chasing 69 off five overs in the game, the Harry Brook-led side fell short by 14 runs, as per Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, as the game was awarded to the visitors. The Three Lions would now be eager to roar back to keep the series alive.

South Africa, on the other hand, can't help but keep performing the way they are. Having won the ODIs by a 2-1 margin already, the Aiden Markram-led side started the T20Is on the perfect note as well. However, they are expected to be without the likes of Keshav Maharaj, who had tweaked his groin ahead of the previous fixture. The Proteas would love to seal the series with a win on Friday.

The Old Trafford surface is generally high-scoring, but it is not a flat track. The pitch offers good bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their shots freely. However, bowlers who vary their pace with slower deliveries and cutters can also find success here. Traditionally, chasing sides have held the upper hand at the venue, as the pitch tends to remain consistent throughout the match.

Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid

Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Lizaad Williams