Follow UsDays after the humiliation in the Test series against New Zealand at home, here we are, with a four-match T20I series between India and South Africa against the beautiful backdrop at Kingsmead, Durban. The last time these two sides met was at Kensington Oval, where India scripted history with a World Cup win after 17 LONG YEARS!
Aiden Markram called it right and opted to bowl first, like what Shaun Pollock had suggested at the pitch report. The reason is quite simple: they want to know what they would be ‘chasing’, especially with rain around here in Durban.
Remember, India are unbeaten at the venue, with four wins in five matches. Oh wait, Suryakumar Yadav wanted India to bat first? That’s quite brave!
Playing XIs
Andile Simelane will be making his debut here against India.
South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Patrick Kruger, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Nqabayomzi Peter
Since India’s last T20I, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, and Avesh Khan have returned to the squad.
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan
What did the two captains say?
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s captain: We are going to bowl first. It looks like a pretty good wicket. There has been some rain around this week, and if there's moisture, we want to make use of it. Fantastic opportunity for guys to make their debuts at home, and it is a great time for them to enjoy the game. We are quite a competitive team, and the discussions have been about how we can get positive results.
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s captain: We were looking to bat first. The wicket looks nice, better than the practice wicket, and we will try to put runs on the board. The guys in the dressing room have made my job easier, the fearless approach they play with for their respective franchises and have brought the same approach to the team.
What’s the pitch like?
“It's overcast and blustery out in the middle. There is a 56m boundary to one side and the wind will aid hitting to that side, possibly making it tough to defend. Wide yorkers, to that end, could be key. There has been rain around, but the pitch is hard with a nice grass covering. Ball will carry through nicely and bowl ‘first’, considering the fact that rain could play a part later,” Shaun Pollock said.
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