Published on: Sep 9, 2025 11:00 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 11, 2025 10:05 am IST
ODIs are done and dusted, and it’s time for the shortest format of the game, i.e., T20Is, to take over. After losing the ODI series 2-1, the Englishmen are all set to host the Proteas in a 3-match T20I series starting from September 10 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales. The second and third games of the series will be played on September 12 and 14 at Manchester and Nottingham, respectively. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I, ENG vs SA, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Yes, England lost the ODI series, but the way they decimated South Africa in the final ODI, inflicting the heaviest defeat by runs in ODI history, makes the hosts some sort of favorites for this game. South Africa will have to move on from the havoc 342-run defeat in the final ODI and display character in the first game of the T20I series. For now, the win probability meter should lean in favor of the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the ENG vs SA 1st T20I at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales.
SA: 42% win chance ENG: 58% win chance
Dewald Brevis' inclusion has strengthened South Africa's middle order. With a ton already to his name in the last two T20I knocks, Brevis could be in for another big score.
Salt has been the aggregator in England's batting right at the top. The right-hand will score quick-fire runs at the top and help his side get a great start.
The veteran wicket-keeper batter will be batting at no 3 for the side. He has scored 349 runs from in the last 10 T20Is. Expect him to be among runs in this game.
The young left-arm pacer has impressed one and all in the limited chances he has got. He was the leading wicket-taker in the T20I series against Australia. Maphaka has 14 wickets to his name from the last 8 matches.
Check out our prediction for the ENG vs SA 1st T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales.
Despite losing the ODI series 2-1, the hosts, England, will back themselves in the T20Is, especially after the way they decimated the Proteas in the final ODI of the series at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. After going down 0-2, England put up a spirited effort with both bat and ball to get the better of South Africa and hand them the biggest ODI defeat in history by 342 runs.
That win was a statement from the hosts right ahead of the T20I series. South Africa shouldn’t take the hosts lightly now in their familiar conditions. England will look to take advantage of South Africa’s poor run in T20Is in recent times, where they have just managed a win out of the last 5 games.
For England, this series is crucial and could be a building block for the upcoming 2026 Y20 World Cup, which is just 6 months away. With a packed international schedule along with the packed calendar featuring multiple franchise leagues, it’s essential for the team management to keep players fresh by rotating them whenever the opportunity arises. With Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith already rested for this series, it would be interesting to see England’s approach in this series.
In the last 2 T20I series, results haven’t favored the Proteas. They opted for a fringe side in the tri-nation series in Zimbabwe, featuring New Zealand and the hosts themselves. Although they advanced to the final, the Kiwis proved too strong and humbled them. The loss in the tri-nation series was followed by yet another T20I series loss to Australia in Australia by 2-1.
After leveling the series 1-1 by winning the second T20I courtesy of a berserk ton from Dewald Brevis, South Africa couldn’t manage the series on a high, as they lost the third game. This series will mark the return of senior pros like David Miller and Marco Jansen, along with dashing batter Donovan Ferreira, who has been making all the right noises in the global T20 leagues.
With the squad looking strong and settled at the same time, expect the Proteas to get over that humiliating 3rd ODI loss and start with a bang in this 3-match T20I series. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 26 ENG won: 12 SA won: 13 No Result: 1 Tied: 0 RECENT form ENGLAND: L L W W W RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: L L L W L
It’s a hot rod in T20Is between these two sides. England and South Africa have squared off 26 times in T20Is, wherein England have 12 wins to their name, whereas South Africa has 13. One match between the two ended without a result. In their last 5 meetings, South Africa has utterly dominated by winning 4, whereas England has managed a solitary win.
How will the two teams, i.e., England and South Africa, fare in the 1st T20I? Let’s take a look.
Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler (C/WK), Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid.
Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I match between South Africa and England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales:
At Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, captains may lean toward bowling first due to overcast skies and potential rain interruptions. The pitch offers early swing, favoring seamers upfront. Chasing has historically been easier here, especially with dew later on. Expect the toss winner to opt for fielding to exploit conditions and scoreboard control.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 1st T20I match of the South Africa Tour of England will take place live on the SonyLIV App. TV viewers can watch this series live on Sony Sports Network channels, preferably on Sony Sports 2 and Sony Sports 5.
The recent lackluster form of South Africa in T20Is speaks volumes for them being the under-pressure team heading into this contest. Playing at home, England would like to go 1-0 up in the series and carry on with the momentum they got after decimating the Proteas in the final ODI. The sportsbooks have chosen England as the favorites, and we are backing them too. So, as per our prediction, the hosts, England, are expected to win the ENG vs SA Dream11 Prediction 1st T20I match at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales.