IND vs SA: 1st T20I Preview – Dress rehearsal for T20 WC begins
India and South Africa will take on each other in a three match T20I series starting from September 28. The two teams previously met in June when the series ended up 2-2 in a draw and expectations are high for the upcoming series. The T20 World Cup 2022 is just a few weeks away and hence, the sides will be keen to head into the tournament with a series victory.
The Indian side is coming off a brilliant series victory against Australia in the three-match T20I series, but still have some areas to be addressed. With no Hardik Pandya, the balance of the side could be under scrutiny while death bowling has been an issue in recent times. Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah are yet to find their groove after returning from injuries and they will have three quality games to make a mark.
On the other hand, the Proteas will be led by Temba Bavuma and it will be a huge test for the skipper himself who has been plagued by injuries since the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. Rassie van der Dussen will be a big miss in the middle order, however, the likes of Tristan Stubbs could come into the act given his phenomenal abilities with the bat.
Weather Conditions and Pitch behaviour
The Greenfield Stadium has hosted just two T20Is so far and both games have had contrasting results. The venue is quite good for batting and a run feast could be expected in the upcoming fixture. The skipper winning the toss will be looking to bowl first.
Current form (Last 5 games in T20Is)
India – L, W, L, W, W
South Africa – L, W, W, W, W
Venue Details – Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Playing Combinations
India
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal
South Africa
Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossow, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorious, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Norje, Tabraiz Shamsi
