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India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will face South Africa in a four-match T20I series starting on November 8. This will marks the sixth bilateral T20I series between the two teams in South Africa, with India having won three of the previous five encounters.
India faces South Africa under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership
Suryakumar, who has been in superb form as the full-time T20I captain, enters the series with a perfect record – six wins from six matches – making him one of the most successful leaders in recent times. His leadership has been instrumental in India’s dominance in the T20 format, and the team heads into this series with confidence. On the other hand, South Africa, having been runners-up in the T20 World Cup 2024, has faced some struggles in the format since then, including a 3-0 defeat to the West Indies and a 1-1 draw against Ireland. With their backs against the wall, the Proteas will be keen to bounce back and pose a challenge to India, the reigning T20I champions.
Dominating the T20I battle with the bat
The T20I series between India and South Africa has been a thrilling contest over the years, marked by some extraordinary performances with the bat. Both teams have consistently produced high-scoring matches, with explosive innings that have set new benchmarks for T20 cricket.
South African batters have dazzled with their aggressive stroke play, while India’s stroke players have been equally dynamic, often taking charge in run-chases. The series has seen thrilling run chases and big partnerships, with totals regularly crossing the 180-run mark. These high-scoring encounters have not only made for exciting cricket but also showcased the immense batting talent present in both line-ups. With both teams boasting powerful hitters, fans can expect another action-packed series with plenty of fireworks.
Also READ: SA vs IND 2024: South Africa’s playing XI for the first T20I against India – Predicted
Top 5 individual performances in the South Africa-India T20I series
1. David Miller’s masterclass: 106 off 47 balls
David Miller’s brilliant 106* came off 47 balls, leading South Africa’s chase in the second T20I against India on October 2, 2022, in Guwahati. He scored at a stunning strike rate of 225.53, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes. Miller’s aggressive batting played a crucial role in South Africa’s pursuit of a massive target of 238. His knock was composed and strategic, anchoring the innings as he guided South Africa towards a near-miss finish, despite losing wickets around him.
India posted an imposing total of 237/3 in their 20 overs, with strong contributions from KL Rahul (57), Virat Kohli (49) and Suryakumar Yadav (61). In reply, South Africa fought valiantly, with Miller’s 106* and a solid 69* from Quinton de Kock. Despite a late surge, South Africa finished with 221/3, falling short by 16 runs. India’s win was propelled by a balanced batting effort, while South Africa’s chase, despite Miller’s heroics, was hindered by early wickets. The game showcased remarkable batting performances, particularly from the Indian side, which led to their victory.
2. Rohit Sharma’s dominant century
Rohit Sharma played a brilliant knock of 106 runs from 66 balls, guiding India to a total of 199/5. His innings included 12 fours and 5 sixes, with a strike rate of 160.60. The first half of his innings was particularly strong, as he accelerated with some stylish boundaries. He partnered well with Virat Kohli (43) for a 138-run stand before being dismissed by Kyle Abbott in the 16th over. Rohit’s aggressive approach provided India with the necessary momentum, especially during the powerplay and middle overs, helping them reach a competitive total.
South Africa chased down the target of 200 runs with 2 balls to spare, winning the match by 7 wickets. The chase was led by Jean-Paul Duminy, who remained unbeaten on 68 from 34 balls. He played a crucial role in ensuring that South Africa stayed on track, particularly during the middle overs, with powerful striking. AB de Villiers (51) and Hashim Amla (36) provided a solid start. Despite a couple of wickets falling, Duminy’s composed performance guided South Africa home, securing a thrilling victory in a high-scoring encounter.
3. Suresh Raina’s explosive century
Suresh Raina played a brilliant innings for India, scoring 101 runs off 60 balls in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 match against South Africa. His innings was marked by a steady accumulation of runs and explosive hitting, with 9 fours and 5 sixes. Raina’s powerful stroke play helped India set a challenging target, with a strike rate of 168.33. He was eventually dismissed in the 20th over, but not before leading India to a total of 186/5. His performance was crucial in putting pressure on South Africa during the chase.
India triumphed by 14 runs in this high-scoring encounter. South Africa’s chase of 187 fell short as they finished with 172/5 in their 20 overs. Jacques Kallis top-scored for South Africa with 73 runs, but crucial wickets at regular intervals, including those of Kallis and AB de Villiers, limited their progress. Despite a late flourish from Mark Boucher and Duminy, the required run rate proved too much for South Africa. India’s bowlers, including Yusuf Pathan and Piyush Chawla, held their nerve to ensure a memorable win for the team.
4. Rilee Rossouw’s spectacular innings
Rilee Rossouw played an outstanding knock of 100* off 48 balls, guiding South Africa to a formidable total of 227/3. He hit 7 fours and 8 sixes, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 208.33. Rossouw’s century was a key highlight of the innings, as he capitalized on the opportunity to score freely in the latter half, with significant contributions from Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs earlier. His match-winning innings proved crucial in setting a challenging target for India.
South Africa triumphed by 49 runs in the 3rd T20I against India, posting 227/3 and successfully defending it. India, chasing a target of 228, managed to score only 178 in 18.3 overs. Despite some quick-fire contributions, including Dinesh Karthik’s 46 and Deepak Chahar’s 31, India struggled against South Africa’s bowlers. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Dwaine Pretorius took key wickets, while Maharaj restricted the middle order. South Africa’s all-round performance secured a comfortable victory.
5. Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive knock
Suryakumar’s blistering 100 off 56 balls anchored India’s innings, propelling them to a total of 201/7. He struck 7 fours and 8 sixes, with an impressive strike rate of 178.57. His knock was crucial in stabilizing the middle order after India lost quick wickets. Yadav reached his half-century off just 32 balls, continuing his onslaught with remarkable power hitting. He was eventually dismissed for 100, caught in the deep, but his contribution was pivotal in India’s big total.
India emerged victorious by 106 runs, defending a total of 201/7. South Africa, chasing 202, was bowled out for a mere 95 runs in 13.5 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the star with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 17 runs. Ravindra Jadeja and Arshdeep Singh also played key roles, with 2 wickets each. South Africa’s batting crumbled under pressure, losing wickets at regular intervals. India’s comprehensive win gave them a well-deserved series victory, showcasing dominant performances in both batting and bowling.
