England and South Africa switch gears to T20 mode on Wednesday, with the first of three matches set for Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
The hosts come in on a high after a record-shattering 342-run win in the ODI finale, fuelled by Jacob Bethell’s maiden ton, Joe Root’s class, and a fiery Jofra Archer spell.
That performance not only saved face after losing the ODI series 2-1 but also handed Jos Buttler’s side plenty of momentum heading into a format where they’ve thrived in Cardiff, winning six of their last eight outings.
For South Africa, the ODI series win lost its shine after the manner of Sunday’s capitulation, but Aiden Markram’s men now have the chance to reset. The Proteas hold a narrow 13-12 lead in T20 head-to-heads and famously beat England by 58 runs at this venue on their last visit.
However, their recent form has been patchy, with defeats to Australia and struggles in a July tri-series. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, a strong showing in Cardiff would go a long way to restoring belief.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
England vs. South Africa 1st T20 live stream, TV channel in the US
Here's how to watch this T20 match in the United States:
- TV Channel: Willow TV
- Live Stream: Fubo
Fans in the United States will be able to watch this game live exclusively on Willow TV.
Willow Sports is a cable TV channel, but if it's not included in your current package or you've cut the cord, it's available on Fubo.
Fubo offers Willow TV as part of its expanded sports offering. In addition to live matches, you can also watch replays and highlights on demand at any time from any device.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does England vs. South Africa 1st T20 start in the US?
This T20 match takes place at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales, and starts on Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m. local time (BST).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 1:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Sept. 10 | 10:30 a.m. |
England vs. South Africa 1st T20 predicted XIs, team news
England have opted to rotate ahead of their winter Ashes tour, resting Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith while handing opportunities to younger names.
Sam Curran returns after guiding the Oval Invincibles to another Hundred crown, with his all-round ability and late-overs control expected to play a key role.
Jacob Bethell, fresh off a maiden international hundred and more recent fireworks, is also set to feature prominently as England continue to fast-track him into leadership conversations.
England predicted XI: Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Saqib Mahmood.
South Africa have recalled Keshav Maharaj, whose recent white-ball form has made him one of the most effective spinners in the game, while David Miller slots back into the middle order after impressing in The Hundred.
Maharaj adds guile with the ball, while Miller’s finishing power and consistency offer much-needed stability to a side looking to bounce back from mixed results in T20s this year.
Together, they bring balance to Aiden Markram’s lineup as the Proteas eye a strong start in Cardiff.
South Africa predicted XI: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka.
South Africa tour of England 2025 schedule
All times ET
T20I Matches
- 1st T20I: Sept. 10, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 1:30 p.m.
- 2nd T20I: Sept. 12, Old Trafford, Manchester, 1:30 p.m.
- 3rd T20I: Sept. 14, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 9:30 a.m.