India thrashed South Africa in the recently concluded ODI series and they will be looking to take the form of those matches into the first of three T20s between the two, the first of which takes place in Johannesburg on Sunday.
South Africa will be desperate to make up for their short fall in the 50 over matches but with bigger fish to fry on the horizon this is understandably lower down their list of priorities than it might normally be.
South Africa
In the end the ODI series became quite embarrassing for the South Africans and the pure pride that is within them will ensure they want to fight back in these three matches. Ultimately with Australia arriving in the country soon for a hugely anticipated Test series a number of the South African stars will be missing here.
That should in theory release the pressure and those who are given the chance to impress will be eager to do so because IPL scouts and T20 teams around the world will be watching on so a big week in South African colours could open a lot of doors for these players. They will need to play spin well if they are to win.
India
Despite the success of the Indian Premier League, the Indian side does not always convince in this format but they have a great chance over the next week or so to push on and make sure they leave South Africa having done a real job on the home side and laid a marker down for when they meet next.
Like South Africa, India will being some different personnel in for this match. It will be important that one of their top order makes a big score as they have a lot of hitters who may only provide cameos rather than the substantial knock that guarantees winning matches. The bowling attack should go similar to the ODIs which will be a positive.
Team News
It is all change for South Africa with only AB de Villiers and JP Duminy remaining in the side from the star names unless Chris Morris features. The likes of JJ Smuts, Reeza Hendricks, Aaron Phangiso and Ferhaan Behardien will get chances to impress.
India are expected to bring Suresh Raina into their side with Shreyas Iyer missing out from the team that secured the ODI series. That could be their only change as they look to finish their tour positively.
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Betting
India are heavy favourites to win this match and given the respective likely line ups I can understand that but this Wanderers ground has never been one to bet on until we know the outcome of the toss and I’m not going to begin doing that now.
I will take the boundaries here though. I don’t really need to explain this one. The boundaries are short here, the outfield is always lightning fast and with the altitude the ball flies a little further than usual. We are accustomed to high scoring matches on this ground and I’m confident we’ll see another 40.5 boundaries line covered here.
Tips
WON – Back Over 40.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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