England showed how dangerous their explosive batting lineup could be in the series opener, but the Proteas did well to compete after a disrupted build-up.
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South Africa need to ensure that they remain competitive and don’t allow England to dominate the rest of the tour.
South Africa vs England | Sunday 29 November | Boland Park, Paarl | 14:30
To Win Match
South Africa 29/20
Tie 25/1
England 57/100
South Africa
While it would have been great for Mark Boucher and company to come away with a win in the first match of the home summer, being competitive was a sign things are heading in the right direction.
The Proteas bowlers did a great job of picking up early wickets but the tourists just had too much in the tank. Goerge Linde showed the ability to step up with the ball in hand and even played a brief cameo with the bat.
Boucher looks set to rotate his bowlers throughout the series, and we might see Anrich Nortje come in for the second match. The team balance looks spot on for T20 cricket with two spinners and three pacemen in the lineup.
The Proteas need Kagiso Rabada to recapture his IPL form if they are to prevent England from dominating.
In a day game at Paarl, batting second will be first prize for the skippers at the toss.
England
England recovered from a poor powerplay in the series opener thanks to a brutal knock from Jonny Bairstow, but that should serve as a wake-up call.
They are facing a Proteas team that has progressed since their last meeting and can expect another scrap in Paarl.
Sam Curran continues to impress with his knack of taking wickets and popping up with key performances at just the right moment. It is always good to have a match-winner like him on the team.
Despite having plenty of options, England are expected to persist with Jason Roy and Jos Buttler as openers even after they left the middle order a lot to do at Newlands.
England now have control of the series and will not want to give that up in Paarl.
Verdict: England 57/100
The tourists and confident and in great touch.
Written by James Richardson.
