South Africa finished off the ODI series against England on a high, winning the series 3-2, after losing the first two matches. The Proteas will now be keen to continue their winning momentum and deliver the goods in the two-match T20 series, which starts on Friday. The first T20 will be played at Newlands in Cape Town.
There is nothing much to choose between England and South Africa, who have some incredible batsmen in their lineup. With players such as Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes playing for England and South Africa possessing the likes of AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis, a run-feast can be expected in Cape Town.
These batsmen enjoyed considerable success in the ODI series and will be eager for another similar performance in the T20 series. What makes the T20 series even more interesting, is the upcoming World T20 in India next month. South Africa and England will use this series as perfect preparation to keep them in good stead ahead of the World T20.
South Africa's T20 captain, du Plessis has made it clear that the team has their focus on the World T20.
"For me, the biggest thing is the World Cup, so everything we do is geared around that. If we lose 2-0, it's not ideal for preparation but it's about ticking the stuff we're still working on and making sure you're improving on that. If we've nailed our skills and we win five out of five, that's great. But if it goes the other way it's just about gradually stepping up," ESPN Cricinfo quoted du Plessis as saying.
South Africa may also use this series to find the best team combination. With pitches in India set to assist spinners, South Africa may also try to play with more than one spinner against England to see how it works.
Irrespective of the team they pick, they are going to be a huge threat to England, as South Africa is a confident side, after defeating India in their last T20 series.
Talking about form, England must also be equally confident after their win against Pakistan in their last T20 series. England has a settled T20 team, with the right mix of batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders.
Though England may lack experience in their bowling lineup, bowlers such as Chris Woakes and Reece Topley have been performing consistently, which has helped their team emerge triumphant. In Adil Rashid, they have a fine wrist-spinner, and he can trouble the South African batsmen in the series.
On the batting front, England look solid, with batsmen like Morgan and Buttler known for their exploits in T20 cricket. When on song, these players can destroy any bowling attack.
Where to watch live
South Africa vs England 1st T20 is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. IST, 4 p.m. GMT) with Live TV coverage in India on Ten Cricket while all the South Africa vs England 1st T20 live action can also be watched via live streaming online on Ten Sports live.
Sky Sports 2 will broadcast the South Africa vs England 1st T20 live in the UK and Ireland with the option to stream option on Sky Go and Watch Sky Sports.
Viewers in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa can watch the South Africa vs England 1st T20 live on SuperSport; live streaming on SuperSport Live Video.
Viewers in the US can watch the match live on Willow TV, with live streaming on Willow TV Online.
