This series has great importance for both sides but will be especially valuable for the tourists. The Proteas get a taste of T20I cricket against one of the team's leading the way in the format.
India vs South Africa | 9 June 2022 | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi | 15:30
To Win Match
India 52/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 31/20
India
India will be well aware that the Proteas are a dangerous opponent in T20I cricket having shared their last home series against the South Africans.
While the leadership of the team is in transition there are plenty of seasoned internationals in the India squad for this five-match T20I series.
KL Rahul skippers the side and is perhaps the form batter in the India side right now having enjoyed a great IPL.
Umran Malik’s star turn in the franchise T20 showpiece has earned the fast bowler an India call-up and he looks set to make his debut at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
South Africa
The Proteas rely heavily on Quinton de Kock’s powerplay fireworks to mount significant challenges and there is a concern that the middle order might be packed with too many conservative batters.
With Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma all likely to be wedged into the top five the work required of De Kock and fellow left-hand batter David Miller could be immense.
Young Tristan Stubbs is an option to mix it up and could certainly change the pace of the game in the middle overs.
South Africa are likely to use Keshav Maharaj in the powerplay and Tabraiz Shamsi a little later in a two-pronged spin attack that could also be augmented by Markram’s improving offies.
Anrich Nortje’s return to full fitness should also be a great boost to the touring Proteas.
Verdict: India 52/100
On their own patch and full of form players India should be too strong for this Proteas outfit who may need a game or two to find their feet in the series.
