In the second T20I of the three-match bilateral series, India will take on South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha today, December 12, at 8:30 PM IST.
After the first match got abandoned due to rain, the teams have now travelled to Gqeberha, where, more significantly, fair weather is predicted, and one might anticipate a match with a respectable total. For India, some of India’s regulars return after taking a break during the T20Is against Australia immediately following the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Axar Patel, who played against Australia in T20Is, is no longer in the T20I roster, paving the door for Ravindra Jadeja‘s easy return. The likes of Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan might bat at top order, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and Rinku Singh in the middle order. With conditions to be seen beforehand, India can go with four pacers in Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Mohammed Siraj and one spinner in Jadeja.
On the other hand, the Proteas will definitely have a better advantage of the conditions and might opt to go with the same 4+1 bowling option in Gerald Coetzee, Nandré Burger, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Tabraiz Shamsi. The side also has the advantage of a sixth bowling option with Kesha Maharaj in the XI. However, not having Lungi Ngidi will be a massive blow for the home side. With the bat as well, the team is well settled, with steady batters such as Reeza Hendricks, Tristian Stubbs, and David Miller along with skipper Aiden Markram leading from the front. With rain on the cards for the third T20I as well, both teams will want to win tonight and make things easy for themselves.
Head-to-Head:
India and South Africa have played each other 25 times in the 20-over format, with India winning 13 and South Africa winning 10. Additionally, two matches also got abandoned.
Where to watch:
TV: Star Sports
OTT: Disney+ Hotstar