Suryakumar Yadav in action | Source: X.com
The eagerly awaited India's tour of South Africa is set to commence with a thrilling three-match T20I series, starting at Kingsmead, Durban, on December 10.
SA vs IND 1st T20I Preview
India
Suryakumar Yadav leads the pack for India, riding the wave of confidence from a smashing 4-1 victory over Australia in the T20Is. It's a youngster-powered squad, missing the seniors, up against a tough challenge in South Africa's demanding conditions.
However, the Indian team has a bit of a pickle with Shubman Gill back in the mix. One of Ruturaj Gaikwad or Yashasvi Jaiswal, both of whom shone against Australia, has to make way for Gill, who has been on fire since the beginning of the year.
Ravindra Jadeja | Source: X.com
Bolstering the pace attack, Mohammed Siraj makes a comeback after skipping the Australia series. Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar are set to be his wingmen, adding strength to the pace department. Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav are definite picks in the spin department.
South Africa
On the other hand, South Africa are bringing in all their heavyweights for this series. Aiden Markram takes the lead, and the batting lineup sparkles with stars like Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller. Known for their explosive style, playing in their home turf might see the Proteas adopt a more aggressive and fearless approach.
Meanwhile, their bowling lineup is no slouch, especially with the young sensation Gerald Coetzee unleashing accurate pace and prowess. Lungi Ngidi steps up as the senior pacer, filling in for the absent Anrich Nortje, while the spin duties rest on the capable shoulders of Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.
Gerald Coetzee | Source: X.com
With the T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, this three-match T20I series becomes a pivotal platform for both teams. The goal is clear for either side: building teams around players who can deliver their best in these testing conditions.
SA vs IND 1st T20I Match Details
Date | 10 December |
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Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
Time | 7:30 PM IST |
Broadcast & Live Streaming | Star Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar |
SA vs IND 1st T20I: Kingsmead, Durban South Africa
The pitch at Kingsmead is a bowler's paradise, where seamers enjoy the extra movement. Spinners will not have much to do on this wicket. Yet, batters, if they hang in there, big runs are up for grabs. Win the toss, opt to bat, and set a massive total should be a wise decision.
SA vs IND 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ishan Kishan (wk), Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs (wk), Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi
SA vs IND 1st T20I: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Roles | Players |
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Wicket-keepers | Heinrich Klaasen, Ishan Kishan |
Batters | Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal |
Al-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen |
Bowlers | Mohammed Siraj, Gerald Coetzee |
Captain | Shubman Gill |
Vice-Captain | Aiden Markram |
SA vs IND 1st T20I Match Prediction
Given South Africa's seasoned squad and home turf advantage compared to the relatively young and less experienced Indian lineup, the scales tip heavily in favour of South Africa, making them the clear favourites for this game.