ENG vs SA Dream11 Team & Match Prediction Today - 2nd T20 2025
Introduction
The excitement continues in the England vs South Africa T20I series 2025 as the two sides gear up for the 2nd T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester. After a rain-hit opener in Cardiff where South Africa triumphed by 14 runs via DLS, the hosts found themselves under early pressure. England(ENG) now face a must-win clash to keep the series alive, while South Africa(SA) will aim to seal the series with another clinical performance.
In this detailed preview, we cover team news, key players, pitch report, probable XIs, fantasy picks, and match prediction for the highly anticipated 2nd T20I.
ENG vs SA 2nd T20 Match Details
- Fixture: Eng vs Sa, 2nd T20I, 2025 Series
- Date & Time: September 12, 2025 (Friday), 11:00 PM IST
- Venue: Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester
- Series Status: South Africa lead 1-0 (3-match series)
Key Takeaways
- Series state: South Africa lead 1–0 after a rain-shortened opener (DLS finish). England must win to keep the series alive.
- What happened earlier: Rain-hit Cardiff game ended under DLS; South Africa chased well in the shortened contest and exposed England’s pressure moments.
- Pitch & toss: Old Trafford offers early swing for fast bowlers; surface can slow later so spinners matter in the middle overs. Toss could be important.
- England snapshot: Big-hitting top order but an unstable middle and some death-bowling worries. Sam Curran brings balance.
- South Africa snapshot: Confident unit with young hitters and pace options; fitness of Rabada is something to watch.
- Players to watch: Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Sam Curran (Eng); Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada (SA).
- Key battles: Buttler vs Rabada; Brook vs Lungi Ngidi; Brevis vs Luke Wood — early exchanges and death-over duels will decide the game.
- Fantasy tips (quick): Captain pick — Aiden Markram; vice — Jos Buttler. Consider Sam Curran and Marco Jansen as differential all-round/bowling picks.
- Short prediction: England to bounce back narrowly and level the series 1–1 if their top order fires and death bowling improves.
Series Recap: South Africa Draw First Blood
The opening game in Cardiff was shortened to a five-over contest due to heavy rain. South Africa managed to post 97/5 in just 7.5 overs before rain returned. Under the DLS method, England (Eng) were asked to chase 69 in 5 overs. Despite Jos Buttler’s brisk start, England stumbled to 54/5, falling 14 runs short.
That result gave South Africa (Sa) a 1-0 lead in the series and highlighted England’s vulnerability in pressure situations. Old Trafford now becomes the stage where the hosts must show resilience to level the series.
Pitch & Conditions at Old Trafford
Old Trafford is traditionally a ground that offers something for everyone.
- Fast bowlers often get movement early in the innings with the new ball, making the first 3 overs critical.
- As the match progresses, the surface can slow down, giving spinners like Adil Rashid or Keshav Maharaj an important role.
- Batting becomes easier once players settle in, so partnerships are key.
- Chasing is not always easy under lights here, so the toss could play a crucial role.
Weather in Manchester has been unpredictable, and light showers remain a possibility, though not as disruptive as in Cardiff.
England: Searching for Balance
England are renowned for their aggressive T20 style, but they will need a mix of intent and caution this time.
Strengths:
- Explosive batting line-up featuring Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, and Will Jacks.
- Depth in the squad with all-rounders like Sam Curran returning to add balance.
- Luke Wood’s pace alongside Adil Rashid’s spin variety.
Concerns:
- Inconsistent middle-order in recent matches.
- Death bowling remains a weak link against power-hitters like Dewald Brevis or Tristan Stubbs.
Players to Watch:
- Jos Buttler: England’s talisman with 523 runs against South Africa in T20Is.
- Harry Brook: Newly appointed captain, keen to lead from the front.
- Sam Curran: The all-rounder adds balance with bat, ball, and fielding.
South Africa: Riding on Momentum
South Africa’s younger crop of T20 players are stepping up under Aiden Markram’s leadership. The win in Cardiff, though rain-affected, gives them confidence.
Strengths:
- A mix of experienced bowlers (Rabada, Jansen) and fearless young batters (Brevis, Stubbs, Ferreira).
- Flexibility in batting order with several finishers.
- Fielding unit remains sharp and athletic.
Concerns:
- Dependence on top order; early wickets could put pressure on inexperienced middle order.
- Rabada’s recent ankle niggle raises slight fitness questions.
Players to Watch:
- Aiden Markram: Captain and stabilizer in the middle overs.
- Dewald Brevis: The “Baby AB” who can change a game in a few overs.
- Marco Jansen: Brings bounce and swing, especially at Old Trafford.
Key Battles to Watch
- Jos Buttler vs Kagiso Rabada
England’s most dangerous batter against South Africa’s spearhead—an early duel that could set the tone. - Harry Brook vs Lungi Ngidi
Brook’s ability to dominate spin will be tested against Shamsi’s variations. - Dewald Brevis vs Luke Wood
A battle of brute force at the death overs—who will hold their nerve?
👉 For fans following this series closely, we also covered the England vs South Africa 1st ODI preview & prediction, which gives more insights into how both teams are shaping up across formats.
Probable Playing XIs
England
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Will Jacks, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid
South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj
ENG vs SA 2nd T20 Dream11 Team Prediction
- Captain Choice: Aiden Markram – consistent record vs South Africa.
- Vice-Captain Choice: Jos Buttler – all-round impact.
- Batting Picks: Harry Brook, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs.
- Bowling Picks: Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Adil Rashid.
- All-rounder Picks: Sam Curran – for balance.
👉 If you enjoy fantasy cricket tips, don’t miss our detailed ENG vs SA 2nd ODI prediction & Dream11 guide, which highlights key players to watch in the longer format.
ENG vs SA 2nd T20 Match Prediction
England are under pressure, but they are tough to beat at Old Trafford. South Africa, however, have shown composure in tight contests and won’t be easy pushovers.
- If England bat first, expect them to post 175–185, with Buttler and Brook leading.
- If South Africa bat first, they will target 160–170, relying on Brevis and Markram.
👉 Prediction: England to bounce back and win the 2nd T20I by a narrow margin, leveling the series 1-1.
👉 Beyond this series, Asia Cup 2025 is also heating up—check out our analysis of the Pakistan vs Oman Dream11 prediction for Match 4 for more fantasy cricket insights.
👉 Stay updated with ENG vs SA live scores, match predictions & fantasy tips—download the app and visit AllCric.
❓ FAQs
The 2nd T20I between England and South Africa will be played on September 12, 2025, at 11:00 PM IST at Old Trafford, Manchester.
Harry Brook is leading England in the T20I series against South Africa.
Aiden Markram is the captain of South Africa for the T20I series vs England.
England and South Africa have had a close rivalry in T20Is, with both teams winning several matches across ICC and bilateral series.
Old Trafford offers early swing for pacers, spin in the middle overs, and gets better for batting once players settle. Scores around 170–180 are competitive.
Key players include Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Sam Curran for England and Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada for South Africa.
England are favorites to bounce back at Old Trafford, but South Africa’s in-form young guns make it a close contest.
South Africa won the 1st T20I in Cardiff by 14 runs (DLS).
Jos Buttler, Aiden Markram, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada are top fantasy picks.