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- Published: December 12, 2023 13:59
New Delhi: The first match of the three matches T20I series between India and South Africa was washed out, without even the toss taking place due to the persistent rain in Durban on Sunday.
The start of the series is not ideal for the teams, but leaving the disappointment behind, both India and South Africa have travelled to Gqeberha, for the second match of the series.
Durban 🛫 Gqeberha 🛬#TeamIndia have arrived ahead of the 2nd T20I.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/wjsP2vAq6U
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 11, 2023
The match has become ever so important, as with only two legitimate matches left to be played in the series, whoever wins the Tuesday clash will ensure that they will not lose the series, as it can only be drawn by the other team if the results get inversed in the final match.
However, the probability of even the second match getting washed out is very high as Gqeberha has also been home to rainy clouds for the past few days and is also expected to have the same fate on Tuesday too.
Batters in the centre
The men in blue’s best chance of winning the series against the South African cricket team will come from their in-form batsmen from the Australian series.
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal are leading India’s offensive opening partnerships, while Ishan Kishan and Surya Kumar Yadav are the strong cogs in the wheels of the middle order.
Ruturaj Gaikwad playing today 🔥 #RuturajGaikwad pic.twitter.com/C9JwY5D5EG
— AAdhf 👑 🪓 (@AAdhf1234) December 12, 2023
The strength of India’s lower middle order will also get a boost with Ravindra Jadeja’s return, offering India a strong batting opportunity in the series.
However, without players like Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussan, Aiden Markram’s Proteas will need to use every ounce of energy they have left in order to match the Indian might and form.
Aiden Markram plays cricket today,you are welcome pic.twitter.com/sw7TTwo7pY
— 🍟 (@91chepauk) December 11, 2023
Bowling is a concern
Both teams’ bowling units will be under pressure because they are starting a very inexperienced unit in the series.
With Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi, who can be both economical and wicket-takers, leading the spin department, India will have an additional advantage.
How does it feel to become the ICC Men’s No. 1️⃣ T20I Bowler 🤔
Hear what #TeamIndia leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi said 👇#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Szg1BYfFeD
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 8, 2023
However, South Africa will be competing without their speed forwards, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
Gerald Coetzee, a promising bowler on the rise, will be the primary bowler alongside Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj, whose expertise will be very beneficial to the new player.
Interestingly, this is also a great chance for these youngsters to prove their worth and with the ICC T20I World Cup 2024, around the corner to confirm their seat in the team.