T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka vs England & India vs South Africa Previews

Australia’s shock exit from the first group stage sees Zimbabwe through to the Super Eights phase. Group A includes hosts India, South Africa, the West Indies, and the aforementioned Chevrons.

Group B co-hosts Sri Lanka alongside England, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

The top 2 teams from each Super Eights group qualify for the semi-finals. The winners of the semifinals then play in the final to decide the champion on Sunday, 8 March in Ahmedabad.

Sri Lanka v England

Sunday, 22 February – 11:30 am

The co-hosts have been impressive thus far, winning their first three matches, topping Group B. England will be wary of taking on the Sri Lankans in their backyard as the home side is familiar with the conditions in Kandy.

Sri Lanka will rely on the batting prowess of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. The former hit an unbeaten century to help his team knock Australia out. On the bowling front, Maheesh Theekshana will use his off-break spin to control the middle overs.

The home side suffered a blow when Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out with a calf strain. The team confirmed that pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been called up to replace the 25-year-old, who had taken three wickets in the tournament.

The English qualified for the Super 8 stage after a close 24-run win over Italy. They completed their Group C campaign with three wins and one defeat to the West Indies.

However, the two-time T20 champions started the match in Kandy as slight favourites based on head-to-head form. England beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in a recent T20 series and will rely on their stronger batting line-up with players like Will Jacks, Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, and Harry Brook.

Sri Lanka will look to exploit the conditions, but England’s overall quality should be sufficient for them to claim the win in Kandy.

Prediction: England win by 4–6 wickets or 10–20 runs.

Suggested Bet: Both teams to score over 170.

India v South Africa

Sunday, 22 February – 15:30

The reigning champions and co-hosts take on South Africa in their first Super Eights stage match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Both sides are in superb form, winning all four of their first-round matches. The Proteas have an axe to grind with the Indians after losing the 2024 final; they have also lost five times to their opponents in T20 World Cups.

India head into the clash as slight favourites based on their superior head-to-head record, playing at home, and the depth and quality of their squad. Varun Chakaravarthy, for example, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

However, South Africa’s form at the tournament has been outstanding. It has been a team effort with standout performances by Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Quinton De Kock. The South Africans have shown their ability to chase down big totals and their precision in the field.

While the Proteas might not be favourites to win, they have players like Dewald Brevis and David Miller who can quickly change a game.

South Africa’s bowling attack will have to be precise to keep India from scoring a high total if the home team bats first.

Prediction: India to win by 1–10 runs.

Suggested Bet: Dewald Brevis to score 30+ runs.