England and South Africa are set to lock horns in the 2nd T20I on Friday , September 12 2025 at Old Trafford , Manchester . The first clash was rain hit but went South Africa's way leaving England desperate to bounce back and level the series . South Africa meanwhile will be keen to seal it early with another commanding display . Who will rise to occasion under of the lights at Old Trafford. Ahead of this contest check out our England vs South Africa preview, head to head record, teams preview, probable playing XI and pitch report.
England vs South Africa 2nd T20I Preview
South Africa enter the clash full of confidence after a 2-1 ODI series win and strong start in the T20Is . Markram 's men boast firepower with the Brevis , Stubbs , and Rabada , supported by the young pace of Maphaka . England trail 0-1 in the three match T20I series and must regroup fast . With Buttler , Curran and Rashid in their ranks , the Three lions will look to level the contest at Old Trafford .
Head to Head Record
In T20Is , South Africa and England have met 27 times . The contests have been close with South Africa edging Ahead with 14 wins , while England has 12 victories and one match ended with no result . This history shows how evenly matched these sides are whenever meet .
South Africa Preview
The Proteas look full of confidence . After winning the ODI series 2-1 they carried that rhythm into first T20I. Skipper Aiden Markram has been leading with authority while youngsters like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs continue to shine with fearless batting . The bowling led by Kagiso Rabada and supported by rising star Kwena Maphaka makes them a dangerous all round unit . Once concern absence of Keshav Maharaj but they still have plenty of depth .
England Preview
England captained by Harry Brook were unlucky in the rain affected opener but will know they can't afford another slip. Veterans like Jos Buttler and Sam Curran bring experience while the likes of Philip Salt and Will Jacks and firepower at the top. Their bowlers especially Adil Rashid will play a key role on a surface that can offer grip and bounce . For the home team their challenge will be turning strong starts into match winning performances .
England vs South Africa Probable Playing XI
England Probable Playing XI : 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 Probable Playing XI : Aiden Markram ( C), Ryan Rickelton , (WK), Lhuan -dre Pretorius , Dewald Brevis , Tristan Stubbs , Donovan Ferreira , Macro Jansen , Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada , Kwena Maphaka , Lizaad Williams.
Old Trafford, Manchester Pitch Report
Old Trafford is known for competitive T20 surfaces. In 10 T20Is here, the average first innings score is around 150-155 runs. Teams batting first have won 4 times, while chasing sides have had more success with 6 wins. The pitch offers bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their shots, but spinners and slower bowlers can be effective in the middle overs. Expect another balanced contest where 160+ could be a challenging target.
