South Africa begin their tour of India on Sunday afternoon when the two sides meet in the first of three T20 internationals, with the opening game coming from Dharamsala. This is a full tour for the Proteas so there should be plenty of competitive action on show.
The initial focus here will be on preparation for the World T20 next year but at the same time laying a marker down for the Tests and ODIs which follow will also form part of the thinking in these matches so they might be more than just individual games which is rare in this format.
India
Of all the three formats in the game I think it is fair to say that this is the one that India haven’t quite cracked. They have been a dominant force in ODI cricket for a while and are improving on the Test scene at quite some rate, but when it comes to T20 they have been hit and miss since they won the inaugural T20 World Cup. They did win all three of their matches in the Caribbean recently but prior to that had lost four out of five matches in this format.
One of the reasons for that is the decision to rest their key batsmen in this format of the game. That is probably the right thing to do in the overall picture of things, but with a World Cup beginning to hit the focus of international sides now it will be interesting to see if that plan continues or if they take it more seriously this early. If they do take it seriously then we’ll get an early look into their strength for next year.
South Africa
Although the build up to the World T20 begins for South Africa here, we have to recognise that a new era does too as a lot of players decided enough was enough after the 50 over World Cup earlier this summer. Given their performance in that tournament as a team that might not be the worst thing to happen, but that will only be any use to them if they have the sufficient quality of younger players coming through their ranks.
You would have to say South Africa have largely been a disappointment in this format as well. They were once the best side in the world in terms of the rankings in T20 but they have never made the final of the T20 World Cup although they are faring much better in the format this year with four wins and a tie from their six matches. The one thing South Africa do ensure is that they go into these matches strong.
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Team News
India are set to go into this match with a strong outlook with Hardik Pandya back after being rested for the Caribbean series. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have both been rested so Washington Sundar could be the main spinner.
This might be a new era for South Africa under Quinton de Kock but they are not goin to be handing out too many international debuts. Anrich Nortje could get one but the rest of the projected side have all featured internationally in the past.
Betting
If South Africa are going to do anything in this series they might need to do it first up. They should have ideal conditions here. It isn’t expected to be too hot and there has been enough rain around for the pitch to have a bit of zip and nibble in it. There is no Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammad Shami to contend with so the tourists must have a chance here.
I suspect the latter two matches in batting paradises will suit the Indians so South Africa need to get off to a fast start and under a new captain there is always that extra lift. If their all-rounders can deliver solid performances in conditions that will suit then the 2/1 on South Africa winning this game, against an Indian side who may well build into their home spell, could look quite big.
Tips
VOID – Back South Africa to win 1st T20 for a 3/10 stake at 3.00 with Betfred
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