South Africa and India will make a second attempt to start their T20I series. The series heads down the coast to St George’s Park in Gqeberha for match two.
St George’s Park will, weather permitting, host its fourth T20I international, with South Africa winning two of the three matches here. This will be the first time India play a T20 in Gqeberha.
To Win Match
South Africa 23/20 | Tie 25/1 | India 72/100
Matthew Breetzke looks set to play just his second T20I on his home ground and could be a player to watch for the Proteas.
Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks have been two of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket, and the St George’s Park conditions might suit them very well.
Another man likely to enjoy being out in front of the famous band will be showman spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who could be called on to get the big wickets for South Africa.
Lizaad Williams could also be a secret weapon for South Africa, with his skills being useful on this type of ground.
A lack of local knowledge aside, India come into this series in terrific form after defeating Australia at home.
At the top of the tree in terms of recent runs is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored a fine hundred in the series before this engagement.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a promising start to his T20I career but would love to be more consistent in bagging big runs for India to cement his place in a team that has the stiffest competition for spots.
In a mirror image of the South African attack, India’s wrist-spinner should be their dangerman, while pacer Arshdeep Singh is also someone who could do some damage.
Verdict: India 72/100
India have brought a young but in-form team to face a rusty South Africa.
