India walloped a green Proteas outfit in Mohali where the tourists let themselves down with the bat.
That result means that India cannot lose the T20I series, but the Proteas will be aiming to salvage a tie in Bangalore.
Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sport – Hollywoodbets
Sunday 22 September | The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore | 15:30
To Win
India 34/100
Tie 35/1
South Africa 23/10
India
There were few surprises in the performances from India in the second T20I with skipper Virat Kohli carrying the chase on his broad shoulders.
Senior man and opener Shikhar Dhawan assisted the captain well, but the number four slot continues to give India headaches. Rishabh Pant’s performances at four in T20Is haven’t lived up to his promise. He gave away an opportunity for a simple 20-30 not out and could lose his place in the team to Manish Pandey.
India’s young bowlers impressed in the first completed match. Deepak Chahar was on the money straight away on debut while Navdeep Saini recovered and both should hold onto their places in the XI.
Ravindra Jadeja should continue to be influential in the field after a second T20I where his sharp work led to the run out of Rassie van der Dussen. Jadeja is quick across the turf and possesses a rocket arm.
South Africa
The Proteas might feel they got off a little lightly in the second T20I where they squandered opportunities to put pressure on India.
A lack of explosive top-order batsman is a major concern for the Proteas. They may choose to push allrounders Dwaine Pretorius, and Andile Phehlukwayo up the order. To give the innings some impetus and solve the strike-rate problem.
The bowlers were a little rusty in Mohali and while there were moments of brilliance in the field, two cut and dried run out, chances went abegging. The Proteas fielding coach Justin Ontong will be charged with instilling focus in a team looking to avoid a series defeat.
The strike bowlers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada proved ineffective in Mohali and management could choose to leave one of them out in favour of spin-bowling allrounder George Linde. Linde would also add some batting power to the tourist’s lineup.
Verdict: India 34/100
India were comfortable winners in Mohali and should win again in Bangalore.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
