SA vs IND: 1st T20I Preview – India’s shortest format transition faces African challenge

Having beaten Australia in the five-match series by 4-1, the Men in Blue will next take on South Africa in a three-match series starting on Sunday, December 10 at Kingsmead, Durban. The Indian squad will be once again led by Suryakumar Yadav while all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will be taking over the duties of the vice-captain.

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been also added to the team to bolster the experienced bowling attack. South Africa last played a T20I series in August-September where they lost by 3-0.

The Proteas will be led by Aiden Markram in the upcoming series where Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller will provide the firepower in batting. In the bowling department, they have suffered a major blow as Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the series and has been replaced by Beuran Hendricks.

The upcoming series will serve as the preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024 for both sides. Notably, India have had an upper hand over South Africa at their home as they have won three out of the four series played between the two sides in the Rainbow nation. The Men in Blue have won five out of the seven T20Is played against the Proteas in their home.

Pitch Report

In the last five matches played at Kingsmead, three have been won by teams chasing. The average first innings score has been 188 while the highest target chased at the venue is 191. The captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first keeping the recent record of the venue in mind.

Probable Playing XI