England vs South Africa predictions: Reliable Rashid could put Proteas in a spin
- England's Adil Rashid has a T20 international economy rate of 6.33 runs per over in the West Indies
- South Africa have won their first five matches at the T20 World Cup
- Recommended bet: Adil Rashid to be England Top Wicket Taker
England scraped through the first group stage at the T20 World Cup but the defending champions looked far more assured in their opening game of the Super 8 stage.
Jos Buttler's men thumped the West Indies, the in-form tournament co-hosts, by eight wickets in St Lucia and they are aiming for a repeat performance at the same venue against South Africa.
The Proteas have won their first five matches at the World Cup but they have been given a scare by Bangladesh, Nepal and the USA in their last three outings and need to raise their game against the holders.
Team news
England are unlikely to tinker too much with the team who beat the West Indies although Mark Wood may be rested, meaning a recall for Chris Jordan.
Sam Curran should keep his place ahead of Surrey teammate Will Jacks while Moeen Ali, who has a floating role in the batting order, came in at number three in Thursday's run-chase.
South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi conceded 50 runs in four overs against the USA so his place may go to fellow slow bowler Bjorn Fortuin or paceman Ottneil Baartman.
The stats
England have lost three of their last four T20 clashes with South Africa.
Opener Phil Salt has hit 36 sixes in 12 T20 international innings in the Caribbean.
England spinner Adil Rashid has a T20 international economy rate of 6.33 runs per over in the West Indies.
South Africa have won their first five matches at the T20 World Cup.
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has taken 30 wickets in 15 T20 World Cup appearances.
South Africa's batsmen have scored only two half-centuries in their first five games.
Prediction
Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow nailed the run-chase against the West Indies in fine style on Thursday but England also showcased their depth of bowling options in that victory.
Jos Buttler used seven bowlers, four quicks and three spinners, to subdue a dangerous Windies batting unit and veteran Adil Rashid was outstanding again.
The leg-spinner took 1-21 and his economy rate of 5.25 was comfortably the best in the match.
Rashid loves bowling in the Caribbean and he was far too good for group-stage opponents Oman, claiming 4-11 and sending down 20 dot balls in his four overs.
That kind of pressure often leads to wickets and Rashid is a good bet to be England's most successful bowler against South Africa, who have been vulnerable against top-class spin in the past.
A win for either side would take them to the brink of the semi-finals and England are favourites to take the points against the Proteas, who lost 3-0 to the West Indies in May before finding form in the group stage.
