South Africa have India backed into a corner but must brace for a response from this top-notch side. James Richardson previews the thrid T20.
The Proteas have won key moments in the series so far but their 2-0 lead doesn’t tell the full story.
India vs South Africa | 14 June 2022 | Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 15:30
To Win Match
India 72/100 | Tie 25/1 | South Africa 23/20
India
India find themselves needing to win every remaining match in the five-part T20I series to claim the honours.
Even without some key stars, India were expected to have too much firepower for the tourists but have found themselves surprisingly outgunned.
India have suffered missteps at crucial times which has handed South Africa the initiative.
While skipper Rishabh Pant has lost the toss in both preceding matches a top side must be able to overcome the flip of a coin.
Ishan Kishan threatens to explode every time he is at the crease and is likely to prove to be a key player.
South Africa
South Africa have dealt with injuries and Covid disruptions admirably and times even bossed the hosts like they were playing on their own patch.
The team have adapted well to conditions that are totally alien to them with most of the squad playing their first matches at the chosen venues.
Dwaine Pretorius made key contributions in the opener but had a rough game in Cuttack including getting spanked for 18 in the final over of India’s innings, it will be interesting to see if he continues to bowl at the death.
Heinrich Klaasen has given coach and captain selection headaches if Quinton de Kock is deemed fit to return after missing Sunday’s encounter with injury.
Verdict: South Africa 23/20
The Proteas have shown the resolve to finish the in both matches so far and should now close out the series.
