England and South Africa Gear Up for High-Stakes Clash in St Lucia

England are set to return to the scene of their recent triumph over the West Indies on Wednesday, while South Africa, having last played a T20I at this venue in May 2010, come into the match with a win over the United States under their belt. The stage is perfectly set for their men’s T20 World Cup showdown at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet on Friday.

South Africa remains unbeaten after five matches, whereas England, having lost to Australia and faced a washout against Scotland, where they were tasked with chasing 109 in 10 overs, will enter the contest as slight favourites.

England’s emphatic victory over the West Indies, achieved by eight wickets with 15 balls remaining, was powered by a 44-ball partnership of 97 between Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow. In contrast, South Africa’s recent 18-run victory over the USA in North Sound was less dominating. However, it marked Quinton de Kock's resurgence with a brisk 74 off 40 balls, forming a solid 110-run partnership off 60 deliveries with Aiden Markram - South Africa’s first-century stand in 19 T20Is.

England's recent experience at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium gives them an edge, as they have a fresher understanding of the conditions. However, South Africa, having adjusted to the challenging pitches in Nassau County and Arnos Vale, are now on a roll and will be difficult to contain.

Both teams boast formidable bowling attacks, but this match is expected to be a showcase of powerful batting. The conditions at Gros Islet, combined with the calibre of players on both sides, suggest that spectators can expect a high-scoring affair.

Match Details

- When: England vs South Africa, June 21, 2 PM GMT, 10.30 AM Local, 4.30 PM SAST, 8 PM IST

- Where: Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

- Conditions: Expect dry weather with plenty of heat and humidity. Runs are likely, given that half of the top 10 totals in the tournament have been scored at this venue.

Head-to-Head in T20 World Cups

- England: 2 wins

- South Africa: 4 wins

Team Previews

England

Jos Buttler's squad has shown a blend of understated yet effective play as they defend their 2022 title.

Key Tactics & Matchups

Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow are crucial to igniting England’s powerful batting lineup.

Probable XI

- Phil Salt

- Jos Buttler (c & wk)

- Moeen Ali

- Jonny Bairstow

- Harry Brook

- Liam Livingstone

- Sam Curran

- Jofra Archer

- Adil Rashid

- Mark Wood

- Reece Topley

South Africa

Having demonstrated their batting prowess on what Quinton de Kock termed a "decent pitch finally" in Antigua, the team needs to build on that performance.

Key Tactics & Matchups

Ottneil Baartman is expected to return, potentially reducing the team to just one specialist spinner.

Probable XI

- Quinton de Kock (wk)

- Reeza Hendricks

- Aiden Markram (c)

- Tristan Stubbs

- Heinrich Klaasen

- David Miller

- Marco Jansen

- Keshav Maharaj

- Kagiso Rabada

- Anrich Nortje

- Ottneil Baartman

Did You Know?

- Phil Salt is the only player from either team currently among the top 10 run-scorers in the tournament.

- Anrich Nortje stands alone in the top 10 wicket-takers from both squads.

- England have won all four T20Is played in St Lucia, while South Africa have lost both of their matches at this venue.