England overpowered the Proteas in the opening T20I of the series but there were some positives for South Africa, including a brilliant knock from Tristan Stubbs.
The series will be wrapped up entirely by Sunday, so there is little time to dwell on that performance.
England vs South Africa | Thursday 28 July | Sophia Gardens | 19:30
To Win Match
England 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 31/20
England
England hit the ground running with a phenomenal batting effort that set up their big victory.
Jonny Bairstow is in the form of his life and it doesn’t seem to matter what format he plays as he just keeps racking up the runs.
Moeen Ali is also highly under-rated as a finisher and can really take a game away from a team with his incredible hitting.
Adil Rashid didn’t miss a beat on his return to the team either as he played a key part in halting the Proteas’ attempt to get after the monster target.
South Africa
South Africa will feel that they did reasonably well to make a game of what would have been a record chase.
Reeza Hendricks made a solid fifty at good tick which shows he can make an impact at this level despite having his doubters.
The big positive for South Africa was Tristan Stubbs hitting a brutally brilliant knock of 72 off just 28 balls that made things interesting.
Lungi Ngidi also managed a five-wicket haul while every other bowler took serious punishment for little reward.
Tabraiz Shamsi battled in Bristol, going for 49 runs in just three overs without a wicket. He will need to be better in the face of England’s brutla top and middle order.
Verdict: England 52/100
England seem to have found their form and will be hard to stop.
