The second T20 International of the South Africa tour of England 2025 is set to be another thrilling contest as England (ENG) lock horns with South Africa (SA) at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Friday, September 12, 2025. After South Africa claimed victory in the rain-shortened opening game, England will look to bounce back strongly to keep the three-match series alive.
Match Details (At a glance)
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Match: England vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, South Africa Tour of England 2025
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Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
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Date & Time: Friday, September 12, 2025 – 6:30 PM Local, 11:00 PM IST
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Live Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket (UK), Sony Sports Network (India), SuperSport (South Africa), Willow TV (USA)
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Live Streaming: SonyLIV (India), NOW TV & Sky Go (UK), SuperSport App (South Africa), ESPN+ (Caribbean), YuppTV (Middle East)
Team Overviews
England (ENG)
England enter this match under pressure after losing the opening game. Their batting line-up, led by skipper Harry Brook, failed to fire, with top-order collapses putting them behind early. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are expected to provide quick starts, but inconsistency has been an issue. England’s middle-order depth looks shaky, with youngsters like Jacob Bethell still learning the ropes.
The bowling department also struggled in Cardiff, conceding runs at over 10 per over. Senior spinners Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson leaked runs, while pacers like Luke Wood and Jamie Overton lacked control. England will need a much-improved all-round effort to level the series.
South Africa (SA)
South Africa, under Aiden Markram’s captaincy, are in excellent touch. Markram’s sublime form with the bat has been the talking point of their white-ball season. The Proteas’ top order, featuring Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, and Tristan Stubbs, brings aggression and flair.
In the bowling attack, Kagiso Rabada continues to lead with skill, while youngster Kwena Maphaka has generated excitement with his raw pace. Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch provide valuable all-round options, and the Proteas’ confidence is sky-high after drawing first blood in the series.
Key Players to Watch
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Harry Brook (ENG): The English skipper will look to lead from the front after a disappointing outing in the first game. His batting could anchor England’s innings.
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Jos Buttler (ENG): Known for explosive stroke play, Buttler’s start in the powerplay will be vital.
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Aiden Markram (SA): In sparkling form, the South African captain is expected to hold the batting order together.
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Kwena Maphaka (SA): The left-arm pacer has impressed with his wicket-taking ability and could trouble England’s top order again.
Head-to-Head Record
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In T20Is overall, England and South Africa have played 26 matches, with England winning 12, South Africa 13, and one with no result.
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In England, both teams are closely matched with series results often swinging either way.
Probable Playing XIs
England (ENG)
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
South Africa (SA)
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams
Pitch Report – Old Trafford, Manchester
The Old Trafford surface traditionally provides good bounce and seam movement early on, rewarding quick bowlers. Spinners also come into play as the game progresses due to the large boundaries. With a touch of moisture in the air and evening conditions, batting might not be straightforward. A par score here could be around 165–175 runs.
Probable Scenarios
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If England bat first, they will need Phil Salt and Jos Buttler to counter South Africa’s pace attack early. Anything less than 160 could be difficult to defend against the Proteas’ aggressive top order.
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South Africa, chasing, will rely on Markram and Brevis to set the tempo. If they bat first, expect them to push for 170+ with their deep batting line-up.
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Toss could be decisive, as chasing has often been easier in Manchester’s evening conditions.
Match Prediction
South Africa currently have the upper hand after their win in the first T20I, and their balanced side gives them an edge. England will come hard, but unless their batting clicks and bowlers step up, it may be tough to stop the Proteas’ momentum.
👉 Predicted Winner: South Africa
Win Probability:
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England – 58%
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South Africa – 42%