South Africa vs England 2020, 1st T20I: Preview, probable XI, match prediction, live streaming, weather forecast, and pitch report
South Africa will take on a touring England side in the first T20I of a 3-match series at Newlands, Cape Town on Friday. Quinton De Kock will lead the Proteas in both formats, while Eoin Morgan will captain England in both formats.
South Africa has fielded a full-strength 24-man squad for the tour. Meanwhile, England has opted to rest Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Chris Jordan for the ODI series.
South Africa last featured in a limited-overs series against Australia in February and March this year. England has had more cricketing action, and they were last seen in the limited-overs tour against Australia in September 2020.
It will be interesting to see how the Proteas perform amidst an internal conflict in their cricketing board.
Also Read: SA vs ENG 2020: England's squad for the tour
South Africa vs England 2020: Full schedule and telecast details
Match details
Date: 27th November 2020 (Friday)
Time: 09:30 PM (IST), 04:00 PM (GMT), 06:00 PM (Local)
Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
Weather report
It's likely to be cloudy in Cape Town on the day of the match. The temperature is likely to be at around 23 degrees Celsius during the match. No rain is expected during the game.
Pitch report
The Newlands ground can be a very two-sided pitch. It offers plenty of assistance to the spinners, but it is also a good batting wicket. A total of around 170-180 runs will be a good score at this venue.
Predicted XIs
South Africa
Quinton De Kock and Reeza Hendricks are likely to open the batting for the Proteas, with Rassie van der Dussen and Faf Du Plessis set to follow them. Heinrich Klaasen should make it to the playing XI on the back of his impressive performances in the ODI series against Australia. David Miller and Dwaine Pretorius are likely to complete the middle-order.
Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortje will be the side's main pacers alongside Pretorius. Tabraiz Shamsi will likely be the side's main spinner. Andile Pheklukawayo could replace Reeza Hendricks if the team want to play an extra bowler.
Probable XI: Quinton De Kock (C/WK), Rassie van der Dussen, Faf Du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Pheklukawayo/Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Anrich Nortje.
England
England may face a selection crisis at the top of the order. With some of their main players returning to the side, England has to decide if Jos Buttler should open the batting. Jason Roy is more likely to open with Buttler than Jonny Bairstow, who had a rather inconsistent IPL season.
Dawid Malan recently opened up about his chances in the playing XI. However, given that he's the No.1 T20I batsman in the world, he should comfortably feature in the playing XI. Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes pick themselves in the playing XI.
Sam Curran should feature as the side's main all-rounder ahead of Tom Curran. Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, and Adil Rashid are also sure to feature in the playing XI. It will be a toss-up between Reece Topley and Mark Wood for the third specialist pacer slot.
Probable XI: Jos Buttler (WK), Jason Roy, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow/ Moeen Ali, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, and Reece Topley/ Mark Wood.
Match prediction
England will have the edge over the hosts for this encounter given that they have had plenty of international cricketing action ahead of this tour. South Africa are yet to find their best playing XI and this could affect how they perform in the game.