SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF ENGLAND 2025
After losing the ODI series 2-1, England now face South Africa in a three-match T20I series © Getty
In their last five bilateral men’s T20I series, England has claimed victory in three, while South Africa has won only once in their last ten encounters. However, during their last meeting in July 2022 in England, South Africa triumphed 2-1.
This past result is less relevant now, as both teams have undergone significant changes; only five of England’s 14 squad members from that series are back, compared to just six of South Africa’s 17.
During that encounter, England was led by Jos Buttler, and South Africa was captained by David Miller. Many familiar names, including Jonny Bairstow and Quinton de Kock, were part of the previous squads but are not returning this time.
Following nearly two years, England’s quest to defend their T20 World Cup title was halted by India in the semi-finals in Guyana, while South Africa made history by reaching the final for the first time, only to lose by seven runs to India.
The upcoming T20 World Cup will occur in Sri Lanka and India in February and March 2026, where both teams will aim to improve their past performances.
The series begins at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Wednesday and then moves to Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday, concluding at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Sunday. The stakes may rise further, depending on February and March outcomes, with implications for the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup.
While the initial score suggests England has the advantage, both teams have equal records in their last ten T20Is, winning five each, indicating a potentially competitive series ahead.
England’s recent T20I performance saw them sweep the West Indies 3-0, yet players like Ben Duckett will miss this series. South Africa’s last outing ended in a 2-1 defeat against Australia, but players like Dewald Brevis showcased impressive performances.
One key difference lies in South Africa’s focused approach to winning the series for the upcoming World Cup, while England seems preoccupied with the Ashes series scheduled for November in Perth.
