The first T20 between South Africa and England was a fascinating one as the game was alive until the last over as England chased a target of 180 with five wickets in hand and four balls to spare.
South Africa managed to put 179 on the board after a dismal start to their batting. Temba Bavuma fell early but it was the skipper De Kock and former skipper Faf Du Plessis who took the innings forward.
Chris Jordan got rid of the Proteas skipper while Sam Curran disrupted the South African top order picking three crucial wickets.
However, his brother Tom Curran had one of his worst performances, leaking too many runs (55) and picking only one wicket that too of George Linde who made his debut.
Van Der Dussen played a sensible knock but couldn't convert it into a big one as he fell prey to Jofra Archer who once again proved to be economical.
England did not have the best start to their batting either but the World Cup champions were held by a strong partnership laid by Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow who has pushed down the order at 4.
Malan got out to the Proteas debutant too but Bairstow kept firing and got full support from Ben Stokes who settled in very well.
Things went in South Africa's favor once Stokes played a loose shot to Shamsi as Eoin Morgan had a hard time middling the ball.
However, a poor 16th over by Beuran Hendricks shifted the momentum completely as England went from requiring 51 in four overs to 23 off three.
Lungi Ngidi gave his best to stretch the game like rubber but had nothing to defend in the final over as the rampant Bairstow hit the ball in every area of the ground.
The second T20 will be played on November 29. Will England continue their domination or will the home side hit back?
Match Toss Time: 14:00 Local (17:30 IST)
Match Start Time: 14:30 Local (18:00 IST)
Match Venue: Boland Park, Paarl.
Weather Report
The weather is anticipated to be pleasant for a day of cricket. The temperature is expected to hover around 28 degrees Celsius.
Pitch
The pitch is a comparatively low scoring one and we may not see anything above 170 to be chased. The pitch will support the pacers more while the spinners may have a tough time.
Team News
The home side is unlikely to make any changes as the game could've been better if mistakes were avoided. There is a possibility that Beuran Hendricks may be replaced by Anrich Nortje or Andile Phehlukwayo.
For England, things looked perfect in every way and a change seems very unlikely. Even though Tom Curran had a poor game, he is expected to be given another chance.
Probable Playing XI
England (ENG): Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (WK), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow/Moeen Ali, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood/Tom Curran.
South Africa (SA): Quinton de Kock (C&WK), Rassie Van Der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Pheklukawayo/George Linde, Reeza/Beuran Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
SA VS ENG Fantasy Team
Jonny Bairstow, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer.
Captain Picks: Quinton de Kock(SA), Sam Curran (Eng)
Vice-Captain Picks: Ben Stokes (Eng), Faf du Plessis (SA)
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