South Africa's explosive effort in the chase in the opening match might have stunned India but now they know what to expect.
The Proteas might have hoped to bowl better but certainly, there was little they can do to improve with the bat.
India vs South Africa | 12 June 2022 | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | 15:30
To Win Match
India 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 23/20
India
Stand-in skipper Rishabh Pant has already promised that India will be better after the first T20I was snatched away from them.
Ishan Kishan fired a warning shot in the first match setting India away to a terrific start and the hosts will want more of the same when the circus rolls into Cuttack.
Yuzvendra Chahal could prove the dangerman with the ball on a pitch that is expected to play much slower than the batter’s paradise in New Delhi.
India’s death bowlers didn’t get much luck in the series opener but their execution of skills remained near the mark.
South Africa
The Proteas shook off concerns that their batters can’t chase big totals but it needed David Miller hitting his straps in spectacular fashion to make it happen.
Questions regarding the form of skipper Temba Bavuma are starting to arise but the skipper showed great intent at the crease and you can’t ask for much more in this format.
The fast bowlers were taken out of the equation in the opener but they did well to adapt and even had India convinced that slower balls would be enough to halt the Proteas’ progress in the second dig.
It is not clear if Aiden Markram, who tested positive for COVID-19 before the first match, will be allowed to return to the fold.
Verdict: India 72/100
India should bounce back on a pitch that will be tough for the Proteas to adjust to.
