England have firepower to prevail in must win versus South Africa

England’s fortunes at the World Twenty20 have changed in the blink of an eye thanks to Alex Hales’ thunderous century against Sri Lanka.

Stuart Broad’s side are now in with a massive chance of reaching the semi finals of a competition they looked destined to exit at the first stage after one and a half innings of cricket.

After losing to New Zealand by nine runs through the Duckworth Lewis method, England were facing an early exit after a dreadful fielding display helped Sri Lanka post 189 but Notts opener Hales had other ideas.

His blistering 116, the first T20 international century by an Englishman, off just 64 balls sent England to victory and set-up another must-win clash in Group B against South Africa.

Ashley Giles’ men are 5/4 with Ladbrokes for victory, while Proteas, who will be without captain Faf du Plessis after he was suspended for a slow over rate, are the 8/13 favourites for a win that should see them qualify for the semi finals.

But Hales, who was ranked as the world’s best T20 international batsmen not so long ago, will have other ideas and he is 10/1 to produce another match-winning contribution and pick up the man of the match award.

The bookie goes 10/3 that the 25-year-old backs up his three figures against Sri Lanka with a 50 against South Africa, but the Nottinghamshire star is 1/5 not to reach that landmark.

Eoin Morgan’s contribution to England’s important win should not be overlooked and with the Middlesex batsman not in much form heading into the tournament, his 57 will have been a welcome boost not only to him but the team.

The Irish-born star is also 10/3 to notch another 50 and he is 5/6 to score over 20.5 runs in the match.

South Africa has plenty of match-winners of their own and in Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers they have two of the best batsmen in all forms of cricket.

In particular, Amla has an excellent record against England over the years and he 11/4 to score 50 for his side in Chittagong.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.