England and South Africa are now all set to play the T20I series starting tomorrow at Bristol.
Both teams had to share the ODI series 1-1 as the third one had to be abandoned due to rain. Both teams are on fire when it comes to the T20I format. But, South Africa are the better team than England in the shortest format. South Africa was successful in bringing a tie to the T20I series which they played in India 2-2.
For England however, they did not get going with the bat against India in their recently concluded T20I series. Only Dawid Malan proved efficient with the bat but the rest of the batters did not have any answers to India’s bowling attack. Jos Buttler has struggled with captaincy duties as well ever since he took the reins from Eoin Morgan. So, batting issues would be the top priority for England going forward in tomorrow’s game.
South Africa do not have much to worry about except the injury to skipper Temba Bavuma. Aiden Markram is in the side and so is David Miller who will be the skipper in the absence of Bavuma. Kagiso Rabada and Rilee Rossouw too have made an appearance in the squad and will be available for the 1st T20I tomorrow.
Pitch Report
The pitch conditions at Bristol look perfect for the batsmen. It will remain relatively flat which will make it easier for batsmen to play their shots with ease. The pitch will also come in handy more for the pacers than the spinners. Recently, teams winning the toss here have preferred to chase rather than bat first.
ENG vs SA, 1st T20I Probable Playing XI:
England
The hosts need to have a balanced batting side. Jos Buttler will have to step up as the opener in tomorrow’s game to ensure that England are off to a flying start tomorrow. Bowlers have done well for England against India in the recent T20I series.
Predicted Playing XI:
Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Dawid Malan, Harry Brooks, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Sam Curran, Reece Topley
South Africa
The visitors are a very good chasing side in the T20Is as they have quality batters in their lineup. South Africa’s bowlers have also done pretty well in the recent past against India in their last T20I series. They will look to carry forward the winning momentum.
Predicted Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Rilee Rossouw, David Miller (c), Heinrich Klassen (wk), Dwaine Pretorious, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj
Match Details
Venue: County Ground, Bristol
Date: 27th July 2022
Time: 11:00 PM IST
Stream: SonyLiv App
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
Match Prediction
Looking at the two teams, the winner for the 1st T20I can be South Africa due to the fact that they have a quality batting lineup which can chase down any target with ease. But, England can also eke out a win as they know the conditions better than the visitors and hence have a chance to reclaim themselves in the T20Is.
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