After a competitive ODI series, England and South Africa will clash in a much-awaited three-match T20I series that is set to begin on the 27th of July. South Africa has never beaten England in a T20I series away from home and currently is on a three-series losing streak against the Three Lions. This series is crucial for both these teams as they will try to gain confidence just before the T20 World Cup in Australia commences in three months’ time.
As visitors, South Africa started the tour on a positive note by beating England comprehensively in the 1st ODI. But the Proteas could not replicate their performance in the second ODI and lost the game by a huge margin in a rain-affected game that leveled the series at 1-1. The decisive ODI was washed out due to rain and forced the series to end on a disappointing note with both teams sharing the trophy.
South Africa’s veteran batter David Miller has been given the leadership role in the absence of Temba Bavuma who has been ruled out of the tour due to an injury. Miller has been in sublime form this year and will be looking to continue his rich form in this series as well.
South Africa’s ace pacer Kagiso Rabada returns to the squad after being rested in the ODIs. He is Proteas’ main weapon and has been booked to be their best bowler in the 1st T20I with the odds of 3.60 by bookmaker bet365. World no. 3 Tabraiz Shamsi and right-arm quick Anrich Nortje follow close pursuit with odds priced at 4.00.
South Africa Top Bowler Odds
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 26, 6:00 P.M. (GMT)
On the other hand, Jos Buttler is eyeing his first series win as England’s captain. Buttler hasn’t had a great start to his role as England’s full-time white ball skipper. Under his leadership, England lost both T20I and ODI series against India. Then, he was unable to bring home the ODI series trophy against South Africa.
Jos Buttler has been England’s best white ball batter for years and English fans would be expecting him to play a captain’s knock in the first T20I. Not surprising, he is booked as a top contender to become the Player of the Match in the first game with favourable odds of 8.00. His countrymen Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow closely follow him at 9.00.
Player of the Match Odds
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 26, 6:00 P.M. (GMT)
England, who have the upper hand in T20Is over South Africa, has been booked to win the three-match series with the odds of 1.44. South Africa start the series as underdogs with the odds of 2.75.
England vs. South Africa T20I Series Winner Odds (outright)
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 26, 6:00 P.M. (GMT)
The series opener will be played at the Bristol County Ground at 5:30 p.m. local time. The 2nd T20I will be played in Cardiff and the final game will be in Southampton on the 28th and 31st of July respectively.
Overall, we can expect another competitive series between these two teams. It would be interesting to see whether Buttler will be able to win his first series as captain or South Africa will finally conquer their maiden T20I title in the UK.
