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

Debashis Sarangi

SuperSport Park, Centurion [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]SuperSport Park, Centurion [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X]

On Wednesday, India will cross swords against South Africa in the third T20I of the ongoing four-match series in the rainbow nation. The much-anticipated clash will take place at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India had a dream start to the series, securing a commanding 61-run victory over the hosts. However, they couldn't sustain their winning momentum, with the Proteas regaining their mojo with a narrow three-wicket victory. 

Bowling first, South Africa put up a commendable effort, restricting India's star-studded side to an under-par 124-run total. In response, the home team swiftly aced the chase, as Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee powered them to a phenomenal win. 

As the caravan shifts to Centurion, both teams would be keen to secure a win and take an unassailable lead in the series. Before the game begins, let's see how the surface at SuperSport Park in Centurion will behave throughout the contest. 

SuperSport Park Centurion Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches played14
Matches won batting first 7
Matches won batting second7
Average 1st innings score in last 5 matches
192
Average 2nd innings score in last 5 matches194
Average runs per over9.46


SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report: Is it batting or bowling-friendly?

The surface at SuperSport Park in Centurion has assisted the batters historically, as evidenced by the average scoring rate of 9.46 at this venue. Since 2020, teams have breached the 200-run mark six times in 10 T20I innings in Centurion. So, it has been a high-scoring ground of late, with the bowlers playing a minimal role across both innings. 

In fact, the last T20I in Centurion witnessed totals exceeding the 250-run mark from both sides. So, expect a high-scoring contest, with the fast bowlers employing cutters and variations and the spinners relying on accuracy to control the flow of runs. 

Having said that, don't rule out the possibility of the seamers getting some extra zip and bounce, particularly with the new ball, as you would expect from a traditional South African pitch. So, it's important for the batters to get on top of the bounce and select their shots accordingly. 

Considering the playing conditions and the fact that the chasing sides have won the last five encounters, bowling first should be a no-brainer for the toss-winning side. 

Players To Watch Out For At SuperSport Park Centurion

Heinrich Klaasen

  • The swashbuckling South African batter has been outstanding at this venue, striking at 171.15. Given that he enjoys batting here, Klaasen will be a player to watch out for in the third T20I. 

Arshdeep Singh

  • Arshdeep Singh has a stunning record against South Africa in T20Is. Furthermore, considering the batting-friendly nature of the surface, his variations in the death overs will be crucial for the Indian team.

Hardik Pandya

  • Although the experienced cricketer hasn't had a great time in South Africa so far, Hardik Pandya could be pivotal for India in this all-important match due to his all-round prowess. Apart from scoring vital runs down the order, Pandya provides India with a quality seam-bowling option to tackle the Proteas batters.