England vs South Africa – 3rd T20I Match Preview (14 September 2025)

Match Details

• Date & Time: 14 September 2025, 14:30 GMT
• Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
• Series: South Africa tour of England 2025
• Format: T20 International
• Toss and Playing XI: To be announced on the day of the match.

Series Context

The 2025 South Africa tour of England features three ODIs and three T20Is, with the T20I series already witnessing a dramatic start:

• 1st T20I (Cardiff): South Africa won by 14 runs via the DLS method after heavy rain interrupted the match.
• 2nd T20I (Manchester): England put on a dominant performance, defeating South Africa by 146 runs – one of the biggest margins in T20I history.
• 3rd T20I (Nottingham): The series finale promises to be a high-stakes encounter with both teams eager to clinch the series.

Team Form and Key Players

England (2nd T20I Winner)

England bounced back strongly in the second T20I, posting a massive 304/2 in their 20 overs and restricting South Africa to 158/10. The performance highlighted the strength of their batting lineup and the depth of their bowling attack.

• Key Batters:

  • Jos Buttler (377.5 runs, SR 152.1) – The captain is in sensational form, anchoring the innings and accelerating when needed.
  • Jacob Bethell (234.3 runs, SR 135) – Provides stability and power.
  • Phil Salt (219.0 runs, SR 117.5) – A crucial middle-order hitter with a high strike rate.

• Key Bowlers:

  • Jofra Archer (45.2 balls, 3 wkts, Econ 8.33) – A dangerous death bowler with pace and yorkers.
  • Luke Wood (30.6 balls, 5 wkts, Econ 7.72) – Offers control and swing in the middle overs.
  • Sam Curran (25.6 balls, 3 wkts, Econ 7.43) – A versatile all-rounder.

England will look to continue their momentum and finish the series with a win.

South Africa (1st T20I Winner)

South Africa opened the series with a stunning win at Cardiff, but they were comprehensively outplayed in the second T20I in Manchester. However, their batting depth and explosive finish have been a concern for England.

• Key Batters:

  • Dewald Brevis (282.3 runs, SR 121.5) – A rising star with a high strike rate and a key finisher.
  • Aiden Markram (209.6 runs, SR 110.9) – Provides top-order stability and has shown excellent form.
  • Tristan Stubbs (189.9 runs, SR 96.9) – A solid opening batter with a good strike rate.

• Key Bowlers:

  • Corbin Bosch (66.2 balls, 5 wkts, Econ 5.65) – A frontline seamer with excellent economy.
  • Kwena Maphaka (31.1 balls, 5 wkts, Econ 7.12) – A wicket-taking left-arm spinner.
  • Bjorn Fortuin (11.5 balls, 2 wkts, Econ 13) – A high-risk, high-reward fast bowler.

South Africa will be eager to bounce back and avoid a whitewash in the final T20I.

Venue Insights – Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge is a picturesque venue that typically offers a fair balance between batting and bowling. The surface is usually true in the early overs, with slight assistance for spinners later in the innings. The average first-innings score in T20Is at Trent Bridge is around 150-160, making it a relatively batting-friendly track.

Both teams will aim to post a competitive total and defend it with tight bowling. England, with their balanced squad and recent dominance, are expected to thrive here.

Head-to-Head

In the T20I format, the series is currently tied at 1-1:

• South Africa: 1 win (1st T20I)
• England: 1 win (2nd T20I)

With the third and final match on the horizon, the series is poised for a thrilling conclusion.

Prediction and Key Matchups

Prediction: England are slight favorites to win the final T20I at Trent Bridge. Their performance in the second match showcased their depth and adaptability. Jos Buttler's form and the pace attack led by Archer and Wood could prove decisive.

Key Matchups:

• Jos Buttler vs. Corbin Bosch – A battle of skill and control.
• Dewald Brevis vs. Luke Wood – Brevis needs to break through the England middle order.
• Sam Curran vs. Tristan Stubbs – A crucial mid-innings duel.

Conclusion

The 3rd T20I between England and South Africa promises to be a high-octane clash, with both teams having something to prove. England will be looking to complete a series win, while South Africa will aim to avoid a whitewash.

Fans can expect an exciting contest with explosive batting and tight bowling, all under the lights at Trent Bridge.

Match Start Time: 14:30 GMT
Where to Watch: FanCode, SonyLIV

Stay tuned for the most anticipated T20 clash of the series!
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