Pro20: Will Kevin Pietersen spoil it for South Africa

South Africa play against England in their first match of the Pro20 cricket world cup super 8's round tonight at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The Proteas would love to dismiss batsmen Kevin Pietersen as early as possible as Pietersen delivered his best batting performances against his ex country men and will look to prove a point once again against the South African's. Kevin Pietersen looked in good nick when England played Pakistan to advance to the super 8 rounds. England looked a different team with their star batsmen in the team after a shock loss against the Netherlands. Pietersen did not play in the Netherlands match.

On their last encounter South Africa lost a one day series in England against England 4 - 0 when Pietersen captained the English team after South Africa won the test series. Since their last encounter South Africa has added more options to their bowling attack by means of spinners Johan Botha and Roelof van der Merwe and left arm seamer Wayne Parnell who is growing in stature. Key to South Africa's 2009 T20 World Cup campaign will be the success off the opening partnership between Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith and the role of Albie Morkel in the batting line up. Sometimes Albie Morkel gets sent in too late and are unable to make a massive impact on the final batting score.

Should the South African bowlers contain Ravi Bopara and Kevin Pietersen it will be plain sailing and one hurdle closer to become 2009 Pro20 World champs. This game could be decided in the first 6 overs batting and bowling wise for South Africa. Big game!