After a rain-reduced first T20I at Sofia Gardens in Cardiff, where the home team lost the match against South Africa by 14 runs via the DLS method on Wednesday. England is set to face South Africa in the second T20I on Friday, September 12, at Old Trafford, Manchester.
The hosts come into this match under pressure after a disappointing run in the ODI series against South Africa earlier this month, which they lost 2-1, followed by a defeat in the opening T20I of the series at Cardiff on Wednesday. England will be eager to bounce back to level the series and regain some momentum.
England vs South Africa: Head-to-Head analysis
South Africa currently holds a narrow edge over England in their T20I encounters, with a head-to-head record of 14 wins compared to England’s 12 victories in 27 matches played. Aiden Markram’s men are expected to conquer the ground today as they play with confidence after securing their recent 14-run win over England in the series opener.
| Head-to-Head Analysis | |
| T20I Matches Played | 27 |
| Won By ENG | 12 |
| Won By SA | 14 |
| No Result | 1 |
| Tied | 0 |
| First-Ever Fixture | September 16, 2007 |
| Most-Recent Fixture | September 10, 2025 |
Despite their impressive batting firepower, England has been struggling to hold its own against South Africa as of late.
In light of their recent successes and consistent track record against England, South Africa is favoured to win the upcoming 2nd T20I in Manchester. The match presents a perfect opportunity for the Proteas to seal the three-match series with a win and return home on a high note.
England vs South Africa: Predicted playing XIs
England must gear up to produce a stronger game if they want to sustain their odds of winning the T20I series. One of the team’s star pacers, Jofra Archer, who was rested in the previous game, is expected to make a comeback into the lineup for the second T20I.
England Predicted Playing XI: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
SA Predicted Playing XI: Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton (WK), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Lizaad Williams