England vs South Africa Prediction: Who Will Win 1st T20 Match on 10th September 2025?

The much-anticipated England vs South Africa 1st T20 2025 is set to light up Cardiff on Wednesday, 10th September. After a thrilling ODI series between the two teams, the focus now shifts to the shortest format. Both sides will be eager to gain early momentum in the three-match series at Sophia Gardens. Fans searching for England vs South Africa prediction tips will be keen to know which team holds the edge ahead of this clash.
Match Details
Match | ENG vs SA, 1st T20I 2025 |
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Date | Wednesday, September 10, 2025 |
Time | 11:30 PM (IST) |
Venue | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff |
Live Stream | Fancode |
Team Previews
England Preview

England enters this contest in fine form, having secured victories in their last three T20Is. Under the leadership of Harry Brook, the hosts are blending experienced stars with young, dynamic players. Brook himself has been one of the brightest T20 prospects for England, capable of anchoring innings or accelerating when needed.
At the top, Phil Salt and Tom Banton are expected to provide England with an aggressive start. Salt, with his natural attacking flair, has the ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the powerplay. Alongside him, Banton offers versatility with his 360-degree stroke play. Jamie Smith and Jos Buttler add further depth, making this batting unit one of the most formidable in the format.
Middle-order strength lies with Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell. Both are multi-utility cricketers, capable of contributing with bat and ball. Buttler, although primarily focused on ODIs in recent times, will bring much-needed experience and finishing power to the line-up.
On the bowling front, England seems well prepared. Jofra Archer’s comeback has been a huge boost, giving them raw pace and wicket-taking ability in the powerplay. He will be supported by Saqib Mahmood, another bowler capable of swinging the new ball. Rehan Ahmed and Liam Dawson are likely to handle spin duties, both offering control and breakthroughs in the middle overs. Dawson, fresh off his heroics in domestic cricket with a century, adds batting depth down the order.
Overall, England boasts a balanced side with firepower in batting, depth in all-rounders, and pace-spin variety in bowling. The only concern may be their tendency to lose clusters of wickets when going too hard, but playing at home gives them a major edge.
Key Players: Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer.
South Africa Preview

South Africa, on the other hand, comes into this series with mixed results. They’ve lost four of their last five T20Is, but their confidence as a unit remains high, thanks to recent triumphs in Tests and ODIs. Aiden Markram leads the Proteas in this series, bringing calmness and experience to the middle order.
At the top, Ryan Rickelton and young Lhuan-dre Pretorius are expected to open. Rickelton has been in great touch, scoring consistently in domestic cricket, while Pretorius is making a name as a fearless stroke-maker. Both will aim to counter England’s pace attack in the early overs.
The middle order looks exciting with Markram, Dewald Brevis, and Tristan Stubbs. Brevis, famously known as “Baby AB,” has showcased explosive batting talent and will be a player to watch. Stubbs, along with seasoned campaigner David Miller, adds firepower in the death overs. Miller’s finishing ability remains crucial if South Africa are to challenge England’s bowling depth.
The bowling department includes experienced pacers Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams, with Marco Jansen providing left-arm variety. Jansen’s ability to swing the new ball and hit the deck hard will be pivotal. Keshav Maharaj, in red-hot form, will handle the spin attack. His economical spells and wicket-taking knack make him indispensable in the middle overs.
However, South Africa’s challenge lies in consistency. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Proteas have often failed to sustain momentum across 20 overs. Their record against England in this format is fairly balanced, but they will need collective performances to take the lead in Cardiff.
Key Players: Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen.
Probable Playing XIs
England XI: Phil Salt (wk), Tom Banton, Jamie Smith, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer
South Africa XI: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferrira, Marco Jansen, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj
England vs South Africa Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction

Role | Players |
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Batters | Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis |
Wicketkeeper | Ryan Rickelton |
All-rounders | Will Jacks, Marco Jansen |
Bowlers | Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj |
Captain Choices: Harry Brook, Marco Jansen
Vice-Captain Options: Phil Salt, Aiden Markram
Players to Avoid: Donovan Ferrira (inconsistent form), Jacob Bethell (lesser international experience)
This team balances attacking batters with wicket-taking bowlers. Jansen and Brook are smart captain picks due to their all-round impact.
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
England enters this clash as the stronger team, making them the favourites to win. They have momentum from recent T20 victories, a strong batting core led by Harry Brook, and the home advantage at Sophia Gardens. Their depth in batting ensures resilience even if early wickets fall, while the combination of Archer and Mahmood with the new ball gives them the ability to strike upfront. Spin options like Rehan Ahmed and Dawson make their bowling balanced across conditions.
South Africa certainly has quality players in Markram, Brevis, and Jansen, but their inconsistency in recent matches, particularly in T20Is, is a concern. England’s familiarity with conditions and their settled squad gives them a clear upper hand. Unless South Africa delivers a collective performance, England should dominate this opening encounter.
England T20 History
England has played 207 T20 internationals, winning 110 and losing 89. They have been one of the most innovative teams in T20 cricket, credited with revolutionizing power-hitting and aggressive batting strategies. Their crowning achievement came in 2010 and 2022 when they lifted the ICC T20 World Cup. Known for their explosive top order and versatile bowling options, England continues to be a global powerhouse in the shortest format.
South Africa T20 History
South Africa has contested 204 T20 internationals, with 112 wins and 89 losses. Despite producing some of the greatest players, they are still chasing their first ICC T20 World Cup title. The Proteas are recognized for their fiery fast bowlers and aggressive batting line-ups but have struggled in high-pressure knockout games. Nevertheless, their track record in bilateral series is commendable, and they remain a formidable side against any opposition.
Head-to-Head Stats
Matches | England Won | South Africa Won | No Result |
---|---|---|---|
26 | 12 | 13 | 1 |
At Sophia Gardens: 2 Matches – England 1, South Africa 1.
In words: South Africa slightly edge the head-to-head with 13 wins compared to England’s 12, but England have improved in recent years. Cardiff results are evenly balanced, making this venue a neutral battleground.
Pitch Report

Sophia Gardens offers a balanced surface. Batters enjoy stroke play once settled, but pacers with swing can extract early movement. Spinners get help as the match progresses. A first-innings total around 170+ will be competitive.
T20 Internationals – Ground Records and Statistics – Statistical Overview
Category | Details |
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Matches Played | 10 |
Matches Won by Home Side | 9 (90.00%) |
Matches Won by Touring Side | 1 (10.00%) |
Matches Won by Neutral Side | 0 (0.00%) |
Matches Won Batting First | 3 (27.27%) |
Matches Won Batting Second | 7 (63.64%) |
Matches Won Winning Toss | 3 (27.27%) |
Matches Won Losing Toss | 7 (63.64%) |
Highest Individual Innings | 96* – R R Rossouw (South Africa) – 28/07/2022 v England |
Best Bowling | 5/22 – M W Short (Australia) – 13/09/2024 v England |
Highest Team Innings | 207/3 – South Africa – 28/07/2022 v England |
Lowest Team Innings | 89 – Pakistan – 07/09/2010 v England |
Highest Run Chase Achieved | 194/7 – England – 13/09/2024 v Australia |
Average Runs per Wicket | 25.66 |
Average Runs per Over | 7.95 |
Average Score Batting First | 140 |
Weather Report
Cardiff is expected to have mild weather on match day. Temperature will hover around 18°C with partly cloudy skies. Rain chances are low, but dew could play a role in the second innings.
Broadcast Details
The match will be live streamed on Fancode for viewers in India.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first, considering dew and chasing records at Cardiff. England, in particular, are strong while chasing.
Match Prediction
Winner: England
England’s form, home advantage, and superior squad depth make them clear favourites in this clash. Expect them to go 1-0 up in the series.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – ENG vs SA 1st T20
Q1: When is the England vs South Africa 1st T20 2025 scheduled?
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:30 PM IST.
Q2: Where will the match take place?
At Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Q3: Who leads England in this T20I?
Harry Brook is captaining England.
Q4: Who captains South Africa in this match?
Aiden Markram leads the Proteas.
Q5: What is the head-to-head record in T20Is?
England 12 wins, South Africa 13 wins, 1 no result.
Q6: Which channel will broadcast the match?
The live stream will be available on Fancode in India.
Q7: Who are the fantasy captain and vice-captain picks?
Captain – Harry Brook/Marco Jansen, Vice-Captain – Phil Salt/Aiden Markram.
Q8: Which team is favourite to win today’s match?
England are favourites due to home advantage, recent form, and squad depth.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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