England tour of South Africa, 2026-27, match 2 of 6
South Africa vs England 2nd Test prediction
Who we back, how the pitch should play, projected scores phase by phase, and three bets from safe to long shot.
63%South Africa
37%England
Quick overview
- Our pick: South Africa to win, a 63% chance in our model.
- Conditions at SuperSport Park: Expect even bounce and little help for the bowlers.
- Batting depth: We project South Africa to score about 14 runs more than their opponents.
- Safest bet: South Africa (Match winner), about a 63% chance.
Series window, not a confirmed XI date. Confirm on the day.
Who will win the SA vs ENG 2nd Test?
Malik Mumbai backs South Africa to beat England in the 2nd Test at SuperSport Park, rating their chances at 63%. We expect South Africa to make around 285 and England around 271 on a pitch that helps the batters. Play starts Wed, 23 Dec 2026 at 19:30 IST.
- Our pick
- South Africa, 63%
- Format
- Test match
- Pitch helps
- Batters
What will decide it
The three things we think will settle this match, and which side each one helps.
Conditions at SuperSport Park
Expect even bounce and little help for the bowlers. Boundaries come easily, so a big total is the starting point, not a bonus. Whichever side uses its batters better gains the edge.
Helps Even
Batting depth
We project South Africa to score about 14 runs more than their opponents. Over a full Test, that is a meaningful cushion, and it is the main reason South Africa are favourites.
Helps South Africa
Series momentum
A win here would leave South Africa in control, with 4 matches still to come.
Helps South Africa
What will South Africa and England score?
How we expect each day to build, phase by phase, on a flat / batters surface at SuperSport Park.
South Africa England
- Session 1
- SA86-100ENG79-93
- Session 2
- SA97-115ENG92-110
- Session 3
- SA79-93ENG76-92
Day-one scoreSA 262-308/ENG 247-295
Best bets for SA vs ENG
One match, three risk levels. The safer bet lands most often; the long shot pays most when it does.
Safer
Our chance 63%
Match winner
South Africa
The most likely result on our numbers. Short odds mean a small return, so size the stake accordingly.
Value
Our chance 57%
South Africa day-one score
Over 271.5 runs
We project South Africa around 285. A line near 271.5 leaves room for a slow start and still lands.
Long shot
Our chance 25%
Top batter
Aiden Markram (South Africa)
Built for long innings. This market pays long odds, which is why a small stake makes sense.
Who can swing South Africa vs England?
Our impact rating is how likely each player is to change the result. XIs are confirmed at the toss.
South Africa
- Aiden MarkramBuilt for long innings89impact
- Kagiso RabadaHits the deck hard84impact
England
- Harry BrookBuilt for long innings92impact
- Moeen AliCan bowl all day89impact
Match preview
Match 2 of 6 in England tour of South Africa, 2026-27 brings the sides back together. South Africa know these grounds well, which is built into our numbers. We rate South Africa at 63%, weighing team strength, how SuperSport Park usually plays and a flat / batters pitch. The gap is real, but cricket gives underdogs a way back through one good spell. Confirm both XIs at the toss before you stake.
The toss: Neither choice at the toss gives much away on a pitch this good for batting.
Where the 2nd Test fits in the series
Rest days, travel and what comes next in England tour of South Africa, 2026-27.
The 2nd Test is match 2 of 6, played at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wed, 23 Dec 2026.
It comes 6 days after the 1st Test at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, so both squads travel to Centurion in between. The long gap gives both sides time to reset, so form from the last game counts for less.
Next, the 3rd Test is 6 days after this one at Newlands in Cape Town.
SuperSport Park hosts 2 other matchs on our calendar: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Bangladesh (19 Nov), 3rd T20I: South Africa vs Bangladesh (13 Dec).
- 17 Dec1st Test: South Africa vs EnglandThe Wanderers Stadium
- 23 Dec2nd Test: South Africa vs EnglandSuperSport ParkThis match
- 29 Dec3rd Test: South Africa vs EnglandNewlands
More cricket predictions
- 29 Dec3rd Test: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
- 03 Jan1st ODI: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
- 09 Jan2nd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
- 15 Jan3rd ODI: South Africa vs EnglandEngland tour of South Africa, 2026-27
SA vs ENG 2nd Test: questions fans ask
Quick answers to what readers ask us most.
Who is favourite to win South Africa vs England?
Our numbers make South Africa the favourites for the 2nd Test: 63% against 37% for England, based on team strength, home advantage and conditions at SuperSport Park.
What time does the SA vs ENG 2nd Test start in India?
First ball is due Wed, 23 Dec 2026 at 19:30 IST India time at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Check again on match day, as series dates sometimes change.
What is Malik Mumbai's best bet for SA vs ENG?
Our safer bet is South Africa to win (63%). For better value, we like south africa day-one score over 271.5 runs (57%). Only stake what you can afford to lose.
What is the pitch like in Centurion?
A flat / batters pitch, by our reading, so expect it to help the batters. That points to day-one scores of about 285 for South Africa and 271 for England.
Should the toss winner bat or bowl first in SA vs ENG?
Neither choice at the toss gives much away on a pitch this good for batting. Expect the toss about 30 minutes before play begins at 19:30 IST, with the XIs named at the same time.
What happens if it rains during South Africa vs England?
Rain in a Test makes a draw more likely, because lost overs are rarely recovered in full. Match-result bets stand, but session markets for unbowled overs are usually void. Check the Centurion forecast on the day.
South Africa vs England match kaun jitega?
Hamare model mein South Africa aage hain: 63% chance, jabki England ka 37% hai. Match Wed, 23 Dec 2026 ko 19:30 IST par shuru hoga. Yeh sirf prediction hai, guarantee nahi.
Centurion ki pitch report kya hai?
Hum is pitch ko flat / batters rate karte hain, isliye batters ke liye achha hai aur bada score ban sakta hai. Toss aur playing XI ka faisla match se lagbhag 30 minute pehle hota hai.
Where can I follow South Africa vs England live?
Follow the score ball by ball on the Malik Mumbai live scores page. TV and streaming rights vary by country, so check local listings for the broadcast.
Still unsure? Ask our team
Predictions, projected scores and win percentages on this page come from Malik Mumbai's own model, built from team strength, venue history and conditions. They are estimates, not guarantees, and only a bookmaker's live odds settle a bet. 18+ only. Set a limit before you play and bet responsibly.