The stage is set for a thrilling decider as England and South Africa lock horns in the 3rd T20I at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Sunday, September 14. With the series tied 1-1, fans can expect a high-intensity clash to determine the winner of this gripping contest.
England stormed back in style during the second T20I, posting a record-breaking 304/2, the highest team total in T20I history. Phil Salt’s explosive 141 off 60 balls and Jos Buttler’s fiery 83 off 30 powered the hosts to a commanding win by 146 runs, levelling the series after South Africa clinched the opener. Their batting depth and aggressive approach will once again be crucial on the flat Trent Bridge pitch, known for producing high scores and favouring stroke play.
South Africa, despite the setback, enter the decider with confidence from their earlier successes on this tour. Having already won the ODI series and drawn first blood in the T20Is, skipper Aiden Markram and his side will be determined to regroup. Key players like Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Kagiso Rabada hold the potential to turn the tide in their favour.
ENG vs SA, 3rd T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: September 14, 7:00 pm IST/ 01:30 pm GMT / 02:30 pm local
- Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
ENG vs SA Head-to-Head in T20Is
Matches played: 28 | England won: 13 | South Africa won: 14 | No results: 1
Trent Bridge Pitch Report
The pitch at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, ahead of the England vs South Africa 3rd T20I 2025, is widely regarded as a batting-friendly surface and is expected to produce another high-scoring thriller. Known for its flat track with consistent bounce and carry, the venue allows batters to unleash aggressive strokes from the very first over. With a lightning-fast outfield and relatively short square boundaries, fans can expect plenty of fours and sixes.
For bowlers, the new ball offers some seam movement during the powerplay, but assistance fades quickly as the innings progresses. Spinners rarely find much turn at Trent Bridge, though accuracy and clever variations can make a difference if the surface slows down later in the match.
Historically, the ground has witnessed 200+ totals in both international and franchise T20s. Teams batting first usually aim for 190-plus to stay competitive. Still, early breakthroughs from seamers using pace variations have occasionally shifted momentum. The average first-innings score here stands at around 167, but conditions often allow totals far higher.
With dew and improved batting ease later in the game, both teams may prefer chasing, setting the stage for a run-fest in Nottingham.
Also READ: ENG vs SA – Top 5 biggest win margins for England in T20Is
ENG vs SA, 3rd T20I: Probable playing XI of both teams
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton (wicket-keeper), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
ENG vs SA, 3rd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- England wins the toss and bowls first
- South Africa powerplay score: 50-60
- South Africa overall score: 180-190
Case 2:
- South Africa wins the toss and bowls first
- England powerplay score: 60-70
- England overall score: 220-230
Match result: England to win the contest.
Also READ: Top 5 highest team totals in T20I cricket ft. England
