The second T20 International between England and South Africa takes place in Manchester on Friday and in terms of the series the Proteas are 1-0 up with two to play
South Africa won last week's ODI series 2-1. The first of the T20's which took place at Cardiff on Wednesday was unfortunately significantly shortened due to rain but South Africa came out on top by 14 runs (DLS).
After a lengthy delay the plan was to stage a 9 overs a side contest but a further rain delay saw the first innings end after 7.5 overs. England won the toss and opted to bowl and the Proteas posted 97/5 (Markram 28, Luke Wood 2/22).
More rain saw England's chase cut to just 5 overs and a revised target of 69. They managed 54/5 (Buttler 25, Jansen and Bosch 2 wickets each).
This was how the teams lined up at Cardiff on Wednesday
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid
South Africa: 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
After this Trent Bridge, Nottingham is the venue for the final T20 on Sunday.
Head to Head
Overall the teams have met 27 times in this format with South Africa winning 14 to England's 12 with 1 no result.
The Venue, Old Trafford, Manchester
Over the course of the last decade 8 scheduled T20's involving England at this venue have delivered 3 wins for the hosts, 3 defeats, 1 no result and 1 match was abandoned.
The most recent completed T20 came in September 2023 and England (198/4) beat New zealand (103) by 95 runs.
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The Betting
At the time of writing Betway have England at 7/10 and South Africa can be backed at 12/10
Prices subject to change
The Verdict
Wednesday was something of a lottery and we didn't learn much or have the opportunity to earn anything with my top bat picks refunded. Let's hope it stays dry in Manchester on Friday.
I'd taken stock of some Jacon Bethell to top score in the match on Wednesday at what I considered huge value of 15/1 with Betway. He is half the price this time around so time for a rethink, albeit in the same market.
Dewald Brevis hit 3 maximums in no time on Wednesday, he has had a good tour, also starred in Australia last month and he could prove to be the Proteas most potent weapon with the bat.
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Bet: Top Scorer in the match Dewald Brevis at 9.5/1 with Betway.