Feature image source– X handle Cricket South Africa
While most of the Proteas fans have been looking forward
These two iconic nations have battled each other on 27 occasions in T20I cricket with India holding the edge of beating the Proteas 15 times vis-à-vis coming up short on 11 occasions with one match resulting in a no-contest.
Now, this is without much doubt a great stat a proud statistic if you are an Indian fan, and interestingly the first time India played the shortest format internationally was against South Africa way back in December 2006, with Dinesh Karthik flying the tri-colour high on that occasion.
So as another exhilarating battle between India and South Africa stirs up, lets dive into what to expect:
The returning Protea stars, could give South Africa the edge
Having taken a break from international cricket since the ill-fated T20 World Cup final, the cream of South Africa’s limited overs contingent is back in the destructive right-hander, Heinrich Klaasen and his compatriot, the sizzling southpaw, David Miller.
With their return, the Protea middle order looks very solid with the likes of captain Markram and Stubbs for company and perhaps all four individually and collectively are more than capable of destroying any attack on their day.
Also making a comeback to the national team are the towering all-rounder in Marco Jansen and the scintillating speedster in Gerald Coetzee who possibly solidify the Protea lower-order in batting and make their bowling look as lethal as they come.
Supporting them are the crafty left-arm orthodox spinner in Keshav Maharaj and the accurate speedster in Ottneil Baartman who are more than capable of castling any opposition when their time is right.
So, all in all the Proteas with the much-needed fire power and experience look solid and perhaps hold the edge to beat the young Indian outfit in their home conditions, which the men in green and gold are more than familiar with.
South Africa would be ill advised to take India lightly
Supported by emerging stars, the likes of Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, and Yash Dayal ready to shine, Team India will aim to defy the odds and make a statement on foreign soil.
With the scars of the New Zealand defeat still reeling fresh in the minds of the Indian fans, this team certainly would have motivation galore to turn the tide and bring some happiness to the 1.4 billion people back home in a different format against a new rival.
So as the contest is all but ready to take shape in a few hours, expect thrilling batting duels, tightly contested bowling spells, and a battle of wits between the captains.
Needless to say, this soon-to-begin series will be as exciting as it will likely be nerve-wracking.
