T20 World Cup 2021, Match 39: England vs South Africa, Stats Preview: Player records and approaching milestones

With a place in the semi-final at stake, South Africa will take on England in their last league-stage game of the T20 World Cup 2021. The encounter takes place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday (November 6). Having won their all four games in the Super 12 stage so far, England are certain to qualify for the semi-finals even if they lose this contest.

On the other hand, the Proteas side has everything to play for. With three wins in four games, Temba Bavuma’s men are third in the table. In order to make a place in the knock-out stage, Temba Bavuma’s men not just need to win this fixture but also focus on the margin. After all, Australia, who currently have a better net run rate than South Africa, are also in the hunt to join their Ashes rivals in the semis.

South Africa’s challenge won’t be easy by any means as England have been on a roll in this competition. While many England batters have runs under their belt, their bowling attack has also been brilliant. Hence, the Three Lions need to be at their best to cross the line.

Meanwhile, let’s look at important stats and numbers ahead of the 39th game of the T20 World Cup 2021:

Head to head: England are a tad ahead of South Africa as far as head-to-head record in T20Is is concerned. In 22 clashes, the Three Lions have won 11 games while nine encounters went in South Africa’s favour. Two of their encounters resulted got washed out. These two sides have met five times in T20 World Cup and the head-to-head record is 3-2 in South Africa’s favour.

1 – Jonny Bairstow is just one big hit away from completing 50 sixes in T20Is.

7 – Liam Livingstone needs seven runs to complete 4000 T20 runs.

5 – Reeza Hendricks is five big hits away from completing 100 sixes in T20 cricket.

2 – Rassie van der Dussen needs just 2 runs to complete 2500 runs in international cricket.

4 – Eoin Morgan is just one big hit away from completing 350 sixes in T20 cricket.

4 – Dawid Malan is four big sixes away from completing 200 sixes in T20 cricket.

4 – David Willey is four wickets away from completing 200 scalps in T20 cricket.

57 – Willey also needs 57 runs to complete 3000 runs in T20 cricket.

23 – Buttler also needs 23 runs to become the first player to complete 2000 T20I runs as wicketkeeper.

3 – Tabraiz Shamsi needs three wickets to go past Wanindu Hasaranga’s tally of 36 scalps and become the bowler with most T20I wickets in a calendar year.

9 – Kagiso Rabada has returned unbeaten in his last nine T20I innings.

13 – South Africa have won 14 T20Is this year, most by any team.

9 – Kagiso Rabada has returned unbeaten in his last nine T20I innings.