The two finalists from the most recent T20 World Cup face up to each other for the first time since that epic clash in the Caribbean back in June. Jonhenry Wilson previews.
South Africa v India – First T20I
Friday 8 November 2024 – 17:00
Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban
Since losing in Barbados the Proteas’ results in the shortest form of the game have been less than stellar, with Aiden Markram’s side losing five of their last six games. But they have fielded under-strength teams in all those encounters, and they are back to something resembling their strongest combination for the India series.
The Indian side that will do duty in South Africa is noticeably different to the one that played in the final of the T20 World Cup with key players from that day, like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Ravi Jadeja all out of the mix for various reasons.
To Win Match
South Africa 82/100 | Tie 25/1 | India 21/20
Back on home soil and with the bulk of their big-name players back in the mix, this will be a South African side that feels more confident and comfortable than it has in recent outings.
The last time the proteas played a T20 series at home was almost a year ago and it was India who were the opponents. That was also a three-match series with the opener in Durban. That game was rained out without a ball being bowled, and while there is wet weather predicted for Durban this weekend Friday looks like it will be dry.
South Africa’s recent results have been poor, but the bulk of those games have been played in trying conditions, on awkward wickets and with white-ball coach Rob Walter resting several of his first-choice players. On a wicket that offers the locals home comforts in terms of pace, this could be a time for the batting line-up to shine.
While some of the Proteas players have been out of action for a while, several, like Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram were playing in Bangladesh as recently as last week, while Reeza Hendricks found some form in the UAE series against Ireland.
EXPLAINED: How the World Test Championship works and do the Proteas really stand a chance?
This isn’t the strongest Indian team possible, but any Indian team is formidable, and this crew is no exception. Although it is a different format, the most recent action for India was a humbling 3-0 Test series loss at home to New Zealand. While the result of seismic proportions, it is unlikely that the impact will be felt too strongly on this tour as it is not only a different format, but Axar Patel is the only player who featured against New Zealand – so the fallout and confidence of this group should still be intact.
As much as the visitors will be without some of the big names from recent times, there is no shortage of household names in their squad – it’s a veritable who’s who of IPL superstars, any one of whom has the ability to turn a match on its head. Watch out for Sanju Samson who is expected to open the batting. He has started the innings for India on eight previous occasions, for the most part with very limited success. But last time out he banged a sensational 111 from 47 balls against Bangladesh and he will be looking to build on that performance in the Republic.
If India do have an obvious weakness, it is the lack of international experience in the bowling lineup. Arshdeep Singh looks certain to open the bowling but experience amongst the rest is limited. Avesh Khan, who has 23 T20’s to his credit is back in the squad while there are also two uncapped players in Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yash Dayal who are set for debuts at some point in the series.
Verdict: South Africa 82/100
This is touch and go, but with South Africa likely to field a middle order of ferocious hitters – think Klaasen, Stubbs, Miller on top of the likes of Markram, Hendricks and Rickelton, against a slightly green bowling line-up, they could be very hard to contain.
