IND vs SA 1st T20I: Kingsmead Durban Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi

Kingsmead, Durban [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]Kingsmead, Durban [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]

After suffering a humiliating Test series defeat against New Zealand, India are gearing up to face South Africa in a four-match T20I series. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue have announced a robust squad for the much-awaited series. Despite missing Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag, the visitors have enough firepower in their team to stun the Proteas. 

Besides the in-form Sanju Samson, who smashed a blistering hundred in his previous T20I outing, the onus will be on the swashbuckling Abhishek Sharma. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav could be a threat to the opposition thanks to his hard-hitting attributes. On the bowling front, India will be dependent on Arshdeep Singh, who can rattle the opposition with his swing with the new ball. 

Meanwhile, South Africa will heavily rely on Tristan Stubbs, who has been outstanding in international cricket this year. Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller will spearhead the hosts' finishing department, with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Ottniel Baartman leading their bowling unit. 

So, as the stage is set for a cracking battle, let's see how the surface at Kingsmead in Durban will behave throughout the contest. 

Kingsmead Durban T20I Ground Stats

Criterion
Data
Matches Played18
Matches won batting first9
Matches won batting second8
Average 1st innings score in last 5 games188
Average 2nd innings score in last 5 games167
Average Runs Per Over8.39

Kingsmead Durban Pitch Report: Batters Or Bowlers, Who Will Be More Successful?

The surface at Kingsmead in Durban will offer genuine seam movement to the fast bowlers early on with the new ball. However, after a few overs, the track will settle down, and the batters will enjoy their time in the middle. 

The pitch's pace and bounce will be favourable for scoring runs as the game progresses. The spinners generally don't get assistance off the pitch at this venue. Considering its true pace and bounce, the toss-winning team will likely opt to chase. 

Players To Watch Out For At Kingsmead Stadium In Durban

Suryakumar Yadav

India's Mr 360, Suryakumar Yadav loves batting on pitches with true pace and bounce. He can utilise the short square boundaries and could be a threat to the Proteas bowling unit. 

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen is the linchpin of the South African batting lineup. The middle-order batter is in sublime form and can maul the Indian bowling attack. 

Arshdeep Singh

In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, Arshdeep Singh will spearhead India's fast bowling department. He can swing the ball upfront and deceive the opponents with his variations in the middle overs.