England and South Africa have started the T20 World Cup on very different notes. While England amassed 191 against the West Indies, rain robbed them of their first win by giving the hosts a target of just 60 runs in six overs. On the other hand, former T20 Champions India beat South Africa in their opening match with a huge margin. Currently, both teams have a win under their belt in the super eights' stage. According to current form, both teams are looking poised to assure their place in the semi finals by winning their second match of the super eights' stage.
England may have an edge over their opponents for today's match as they beat South Africa convincingly in a warm up match in this years' T20 World Cup. It is interesting to note that the match was played on the same venue. In that match, England had shown some nerves when they were stuttering at nine for the loss of three wickets. On the other hand, a paltry 127 against England would not give South Africa the much-needed confidence required before the match.
Last year in December, the two teams played a two match T20 series in South Africa that ended in a one-one draw. England had fared quite badly in that series where South Africa had shown their batting prowess. England's massive defeat at Centurion was largely due to Graeme Smith and Loots Bossman, who had piled up an opening partnership of 170 runs. Their opening crusade had helped South Africa post a mammoth score of 241 for six in just 20 overs.
South Africa’s batting looks well equipped, specially when it comes to power hitting. The country's leading all rounder Albie Morkel finally found his feet against New Zealand with a brisk innings of 40 runs. It included 5 massive sixes, 3 of which came in one over of Tim Southee. On the other side, England has found some new talent in the shape of Eoin Morgan. He remains a model of consistency for his English colleagues and his inventive stroke play has stabilized English batting to a greater degree. South African born openers Michael Lumb and Kieswetter have given a fresh new look to the side at the top of the order. However, their performance against one of the most potent pace attacks in world cricket would be the best judge.
South African pace sensation Morne Morkel was frightening on a pitch that gave him some assistance against Afghanistan. He banged the ball short and made the inexperienced Afghani batsman smell the leather. Afghanistan, who are the new kids on the block were left wondering what had hit them as Morkel finished the innings with 4 wickets for just 20 runs. However, England’s more than capable batting line up will perform much better. Rest assured they would not be getting much of the deliveries in their half of the pitch.
Pieterson‘s South African connection is no longer an anomaly, considering the two English openers who hail from the African nation as well. Pietersen remains the centre of attention whenever England plays against South Africa. The dashing middle order batsmen will be trying to forget his less than impressive series in South Africa last year. He will be looking to take revenge and with a brilliant knock against Pakistan, the tall right-hander has already gained the required confidence.
Given the rich history between the two teams, the match is sure to be an intriguing contest. Considering that a place in the final four is at stake, both teams will be eager to go all out against each other.
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