In the third T20I of India’s tour of South Africa, the Men in Blue will take on the Proteas at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, tonight, i.e., November 13, at 8:30 PM IST.
In the first T20I, India put on a tremendous batting display, scoring 202/8, with Sanju Samson leading the way with a brilliant 107. India’s spinners then restricted South Africa to 141 runs, with Varun Chakaravarthy‘s 3/25 and Ravi Bishnoi‘s economical effort proving crucial. However, India struggled in the second T20I, scoring only 124/6. Despite Hardik Pandya‘s undefeated 39, South Africa cruised to a three-wicket victory. India will be hoping to enhance its performance and consistency in this critical encounter. The Indian tactics is expected to revolve around a solid start, with Samson and Suryakumar Yadav yet again leading the way to keep the innings together if early wickets fall. With Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh providing late-order punches, India is armed to set or chase an intimidating target. Chakaravarthy and Bishnoi are expected to be key bowlers. Indian pacers will also seek to take benefit of Centurion’s favourable circumstances to hinder South Africa’s batters.
During the second T20I, South Africa’s bowlers came back strong, with Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen grabbing vital early wickets to limit India to a lower score. Tristan Stubbs led the chase with a perfect 47, demonstrating the tenacity and grit of the South African batters. South Africa’s top order will depend heavily on Aiden Markram, who hasn’t yet made an impression. They will also rely on their bowlers to replicate their last game’s success considering the series is on the line. In addition to striving to strengthen the middle order with David Miller and Stubbs, South Africa will be counting on their skipper to lead from the front. Two bowlers who were instrumental in the last game, Jansen and Coetzee, will be hoping to keep up their strong play by taking advantage of Centurion’s optimal conditions. In the middle overs, Keshav Maharaj‘s spin will be essential in containing India’s formidable batters.
Head-to-Head:
India lead South Africa in head-to-head matchups, having won 16 of the 29 games. With seven of their previous 10 victories, the Men in Blue have also dominated T20Is played in South Africa.
Where to Watch:
TV: Sports18
OTT: JioCinema