ENG vs SA | 2nd T20I | Match Preview and CREX 11

The Englishmen will clash with their South African counterparts in the second game of the three-match T20I series in Cardiff today. 

Moeen Ali flexing in 1st T20I vs SA

The hosts registered a comprehensive 41-run victory in the first T20I, riding on a stupendous collective effort by the batters. They will certainly look to seal the series by winning tonight. 

On the other hand, South Africa suffered a harsh defeat in the first game owing to their dismal bowling performance. All Proteas bowlers except Lungi Ngidi were taken to the cleaners, resulting in England’s mammoth total of 234. So, they need to improve their bowling to emerge victorious in this must-win encounter. 

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Match Details

Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff

Date & Time: July 28, 11:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV app

Pitch Report: Like other English grounds, this ground also primarily assists the batters. The ball comes nicely on the bat, and the even bounce of the surface allows the batters to play their shots freely.  

Since 2018, the teams batting second have won on all occasions at this venue. So, the toss is expected to be a deciding factor as the team winning the toss will be keen to chase on this ground. 

Key Players

Jonny Bairstow slammed a scintillating 53-ball 90 with the help of three fours and eight humongous sixes in the first T20I in Bristol. 

Dawid Malan looked fluent for his 23-ball 43 in the first match. He is a fine pace hitter. And Interestingly, Malan has smashed 75 runs off just 44 balls against South African spinners, Maharaj and Shamsi, in T20Is. 

Quinton de Kock, although got out cheaply in the first game, has always proved to be a run-machine for South Africa in the shortest format. The dynamic keeper-batter amassed 116 runs at a glorious average of 58 in the ODI series. 

Moeen Ali, the player of the match in the first game, not only scored a blistering 18-ball 52 but also picked the crucial wicket of Reeza Hendricks. 

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CREX XI Suggestion 

Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs
Batters: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Reeza Hendricks
All-rounders: Moeen Ali
Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Reece Topley, Adil Rashid 

Captain: Jonny Bairstow
Vice-Captain: Moeen Ali