South Africa's challenge to take an early lead in the series
| Date | November 7, 2024 |
| Time | 9:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Format | T20i |
| Series | India tour of South Africa, 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Heinrich Klaasen has odds of 3.65 to be South Africa's best batsman
- Suryakumar Yadav has odds of 2.85 to be India's best batsman
- Gerald Coetzee has odds of 3.30 to be South Africa's best bowler
- Arshdeep Singh has odds of 3.10 to be India's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
Hosts South Africa will look to take an early lead in the four-match series as they face the World Champions India. This will be the first clash between the two teams after the World Cup final, where the Indians won the title from a losing situation. The hosts would look to avenge that defeat with a good performance in the first game and set the tone for the rest of the series. They know the conditions well and shall start with higher odds. The Indians have been through a tough time in the last four weeks, suffering a humiliating series of losses to New Zealand at home. They have enjoyed success in this format in the last 12 months, and we expect them to put up a tough fight. Both teams will be keen for an early lead, and we expect a close contest.
South Africa Preview
Aiden Markram's team will count its chances in this game. They have done well in recent matches and shall have the home advantage. A powerful batting lineup makes them favorites on cricket betting sites. Markram would expect a strong show from his inexperienced bowling attack and take an early lead in the four-match series.
The side will expect a good start in this game from Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks, as both players are in good form. Markram will look to anchor the innings and add runs with Tristan Stubbs and David Miller. Heinrich Klaasen will look to bring his hitting skills into play and add quick runs in the lower middle order with Gerald Coetzee and Patrick Kruger.
On the bowling front, the team expects tight spells with the new ball from Gerald Coetzee and Ottneil Baartman, as the Indians have a strong batting lineup. Keshav Maharaj will look to use his experience and do well in the middle overs with Nqabayomzi Peter. Patrick Kruger and Markram add depth to the attack.
Expected Starting XI for South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Ottneil Baartman, Tristan Stubbs, Nqabayomzi Peter
India Preview
Suryakumar Yadav and his men will have to revive the lost glory of Team India. While most of the players in this team weren't part of the Test squad, the players will be under pressure to perform and give their fans something to cheer about. The team's record on South African soil isn't something to cheer about. They won't start frontrunners on cricket betting apps and must form from the word go.
The side will expect a good start from Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as the South African pace attack will test them. Suryakumar Yadav is the best batsman in the team, and he must do well in the middle order with Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, and Ramandeep Singh are clean strikers, and their performance in the lower middle order is crucial.
The Indian bowling attack will face a test in this series. The team expects Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya to use the new ball well and grab early wickets. Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel will look to trouble the batsmen with their variations. The team will expect a good show in the supporting role from Avesh Khan, Abhishek Sharma, and Ramandeep Singh.
Expected Starting XI for India
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Avesh Khan
TOSS: To Bowl First
Most games here are won by the team chasing the score. Batting first on this track is never easy, as fast bowlers enjoy bowling on a fresh track. The wicket is easier to bat on in the second innings. The side winning the toss would like to bowl first and restrict the opposition to a small total.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We will have overcast conditions over Durban. There will be some assistance for the fast bowlers early in the game, but overall, the conditions will be good for batting. The ball will come onto the bat nicely, allowing batsmen to play their strokes. The side batting first will need 170 on the board to feel safe.
OUR PREDICTION
The Indians have a poor record playing in South Africa. The team has a strong batting lineup, but there are some weaknesses in the bowling attack. They need a good show from their bowlers to win this contest. The South Africans will relish these conditions as it suits their style of play. According to our cricket betting tips, they have a stronger batting lineup and shall be the favorites in this game.
Our prediction is for South Africa to win
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