ENG vs SA 2025: Top 3 players battles to watch out for in 2nd T20I

South Africa will face England in the second match of the three-T20I series on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester.

South Africa had played Australia in a three-T20I series prior to the England tour, losing 1-2. But with the victory in the opening T20I, they have returned to their best and will hope to continue the good work.

England were fired up for the first T20I after losing the ODI series 1-2 to South Africa. However, they lost as they failed to chase 69 runs in five overs of the rain-shortened match. England will hope to make a comeback in the series and will hope for a full game in Manchester.

Here are the Top 3 players battles to watch out for in ENG vs SA 2025 2nd T20I:

1. Phil Salt vs Kagiso Rabada

Phil Salt and Kagiso Rabada will face off in one of the most exciting battles in the second T20I between England and South Africa. Salt has redefined how England bats in the top order, as he dominates opposition bowlers in the powerplay overs. Salt is fearless and even charges at the best of pacers to score runs freely, messing with their rhythm in the process.

Kagiso Rabada will be a difficult customer for Salt to get away. Rabada is an experienced campaigner who boasts good pace with the new ball. He swings the ball and can slam it into the pitch to get bounce that makes the batter uncomfortable. Salt might be troubled by Rabada’s habit of hitting hard lengths.

2. Aiden Markram vs Luke Wood

Aiden Markram likes to take on the bowlers at the start in T20Is and his strike rate of 144 for South Africa is a clear evidence of that. As captain, Markram likes to lead from the start, making good use of the powerplay overs. He is strong on the back foot and thrives on keeping the scoreboard moving. He is good against both spin and pace, making it hard for England to counter him.

Luke Wood might be young in his international cricket, but England will trust him to disrupt the rhythm of Markram. Wood, being a left-arm pacer, will bring a troubling angle for Markram to deal with and he bowls at a good speed. Wood also swings the ball both ways, often taking it across the right-handers, which is a weakness for Markram at the start of his innings.

3. Dewald Brevis vs Adil Rashid

South Africa’s newest batting star Dewald Brevis will be under the spotlight in the second T20I. He is a young and fearless batter, who embodies modern-day T20 batting of hitting from ball one. He often goes over the top and steps out to both pacers and spinners. His battle will be against ace England spinner Adil Rashid, who is crafty enough to stop him.

Rashid will have to be wary of the power and fearlessness Brevis possesses. Rashid relies on pace and variations in his bowling, possessing a potent googly as well. It will be a good battle to see with Brevis’ youth colliding with Rashid’s experience.

FAQs

1. Which South African batter has the most runs in T20Is?

Quinton de Kock has scored 2584 runs in 92 T20Is for South Africa at a strike rate of 138.32, including one century and 16 half-centuries, with the best score of 100.

2. Which England bowler has the most wickets in T20Is?

Adil Rashid of England has the most wickets in T20Is, with 136 scalps in 128 games at an economy of 7.43, with the best bowling figures of 4/2.

3. Which two all-rounders from England and South Africa might have the most impact in 2nd T20I?

Marco Jansen of South Africa and Will Jacks of England are the two all-rounders who might have the most impact.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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