The series between India and South Africa has lived upto the expectations with some high quality entertainment on display. The third match of the series will see the two teams go head to head at Visakhapatnam on Tuesday, June 14.
Match Summary
- India vs South Africa, 3rd T20I
- Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- June 14, 2022
The first match of the series witnessed some cracking action between the two teams, with South Africa coming out victorious by seven wickets. Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla stadium was treated to incredible six-hitting as both the teams deposited the ball into the stands 28 times.
Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to field first. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad, playing in the absence of India’s first-choice openers, got the team off to a great start with 57 runs in 6.1 overs. Shreyas Iyer continued with his improved intent, taking on spinners in his knock of 27-ball 36.
Ishan Kishan recovered from his slow start, smashing 11 fours and three sides on route to 76 off 48. Kishan and Iyer added 80 runs for the second wicket in just 6.4 overs. Down the order, Rishabh Pant scored 29 off 16 while Hardik Pandya hammered 31 off just 12 balls on his return to the side to propel India to 211/4.
South Africa lost Temba Bavuma early but Dwaine Pretorius, who was promoted to no. 3, smashed 29 off 13 balls to provide them a great start. They soon lost Quinton de Kock for 22 off 18 with the scoreboard reading 81/3 in 8.4 overs, which became 86/3 at the end of 10 overs.
Rassie van der Dussen struggled to time the ball but David Miller carried his sensational form from the IPL and imposed himself on the game straight away. Miller blasted 64* off 31 while van der Dussen, who was dropped on 30 off 31, smashed 45 off his next 15 balls. The duo added an unbroken partnership of 131 runs to take South Africa to a stunning win.
Despite losing the first game, India remain a pretty strong side. The batting unit has a top and middle order of in-form Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. The return of Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik has bolstered their lower middle order. The bowling department has enough quality in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, and spin duo of Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal.
South Africa have turned into a formidable T20 side over the last 12 months. The batting line-up has some quality players in Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram. They went a little light on the batting in the opening game with Markram sidelined, giving chances to Tristan Stubbs and all-rounder Wayne Parnell. The bowling attack has Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.
- Over 50,000 events per month
- Flexible payment modes
- Easy navigation
- VIP program
David Miller in the form of his life
David Miller has turned the clock back to his glorious days or perhaps this is his second peak. Since the start of 2021, the left hander has scored 441 runs in international T20s at an average of 55 and strike rate of 156. He had an outstanding season in the IPL this year, amassing 481 runs at an average of 69 while striking at 143. With such form on his side, Miller could be a thorn in India’s path.
Head to Head
These two teams have competed in 16 matches in the T20 format, with India having a slight edge. India have won nine matches while South Africa have claimed seven. In the last five meetings, the Proteas have won three games.
Team News
India had suffered a blow ahead of the series with KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav getting ruled out due to injuries. They’re unlikely to tinker with the playing XI much. For South Africa, Aiden Markram testing Covid-19 positive ahead of the first T20I was a huge setback. Markram is likely to miss this game as well.
Match Prediction
The venue in Visakhapatnam is usually bowling friendly and could assist India more. Both the teams have strong batting lineups but India have an edge. India head into the game as favourites with winning odds of 1.60. South Africa however have shown that they’re capable of beating anyone. They have odds of 2.00 for an outright victory on Tuesday.
Who will win the Player of the Match?
Ishan Kishan has been in good touch and is favourite to win the player of the match. Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal are also in contention. For South Africa, Quinton de Kock is the top contender to bag the award. Given David Miller’s form, he can be an excellent value pick for the award.
- Over 50,000 events per month
- Flexible payment modes
- Easy navigation
- VIP program
- Over 50,000 events per month
- Flexible payment modes
- Easy navigation
- VIP program