IND vs SA 3rd T20I Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

India will face South Africa in 3rd T20I on Wednesday [Source: @surya_14kumar/X]

On Wednesday, India will lock horns with South Africa in the third T20 International of the ongoing four-match series. The high-voltage clash will be played at the historic SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the action beginning at 8.30 PM IST. 

IND vs SA 3rd T20I: Match Details And Live Streaming

IND vs SA 3rd T20I: India And South Africa Eye Supremacy At The Iconic SuperSport Park

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India had a memorable start to the series, securing an emphatic 61-run victory in the opening encounter in Durban. However, the hosts didn't take too long to restore parity, as Tristan Stubbs' valiant knock fuelled them to a narrow three-wicket win in the subsequent encounter in Gqeberha. 

India's batting emerges as a concern for them as they aim to secure an unassailable lead in the series. Apart from Sanju Samson's scintillating century in the series opener, India don't have a lot of positives as far as their batting is concerned. 

While Varun Chakravarthy has proved the odds wrong with his sublime form, the eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh, the marquee players who will be eyeing redemption in this contest. 

Meanwhile, the Proteas would be keen to extend their winning run and drub the visitors for the second time in the series. The in-form Tristan Stubbs will play a key role for South Africa, while the Proteas' bowling will pretty much revolve around Gerald Coetzee, who has showcased his all-round prowess in the series. 

All in all, with both teams comprising several entertainers, we expect a nail-biting contest at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

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IND vs SA 3rd T20I: SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report

The surface at SuperSport Park in Centurion generally offers a hint of seam movement and extra bounce to the fast bowlers. However, the batter can capitalise on the track's true pace once they get set in the middle. 

The spinners don't get enough help off the pitch in Centurion. So, how the spinners fare will eventually come down to how well the batters read their variations. As far as the pitch is concerned, it generally doesn't offer significant turn to the spin bowlers. 

The average scoring rate of 9.46 signifies the pitch's overall nature to favour the batters. Also, given that the chasing sides have won the last five matches in Centurion, the toss-winning side will likely bowl first. 

IND vs SA 3rd T20I: Key Players & Stats

• Sanju Samson: 327 runs in 10 T20I innings in 2024, Average: 36.33, SR: 177.72
• Varun Chakravarthy: 8 wickets in 2 matches, Average: 5.25, SR: 6.00, Economy: 5.25
• Tristan Stubbs in international cricket in 2024: 919 runs, the most by a South African player
• Heinrich Klaasen In T20Is At SuperSport Park: 178 runs in 7 innings, Average: 29.67, SR: 171.15
• Average Score in last 5 T20Is in Centurion: 193
• Since 2020, teams have breached the 200-run mark six times in 10 T20I innings in Centurion. 

IND vs SA 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XIs

India: Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Nqaba Peter

IND vs SA 3rd T20I: Winner Prediction

Considering the strength of both sides, India are the favourites to win this match and take an unassailable lead in the series. 

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