South Africa's big test against a strong Indian batting line-up
| Date | December 12, 2023 |
| Time | 8:30 PM IST |
| Venue | St George's Park, Gqeberha |
| Format | T20i |
| Series | India tour of South Africa, 2023-24 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Heinrich Klaasen has odds of 3.75 to be South Africa's best batsman
- Shubman Gill has odds of 3.30 to be India's best batsman
- Tarbaiz Shamsi has odds of 3.85 to be South Africa's best bowler
- Kuldeep Yadav has odds of 3.65 to be India's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
Rain played spoilsport in the first game of the three-match series at Durban. Both sides shall now want to take an unassailable lead in the second game at Gqeberha. The South Africans have had a poor record at home in the last 12 months with series losses against West Indies and Australia and shall look to turn it around. The Indian side comes here with a massive series win against the Australians. They have high odds and shall look to continue with the same momentum. The South Africans are a good side at home, and we expect them to give a tough fight to India.
South Africa Preview
Aiden Markram's side will be under pressure in this game. They have lost the last four series and have managed to win only twice in the previous ten games at home. The team is in a transition phase with young players coming in, and most cricket betting sites put them behind India. Markram would like his team to play to their strengths and use the home advantage to win this game.
The side will need a good start in this game from Reeza Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs as they take on a strong bowling attack. The middle order has experienced players who need good performances from Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen. The side will also expect power hitting from Marco Jansen and Andlie Pheloukwayo in the lower middle order.
Lungi Ngidi pulling out of the series has hurt South Africa. They will need a good spell with the new ball from Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. Keshav Maharaj, Lizaad Williams, and Tabraiz Shamsi will look to bowl tight spells in the middle overs to trouble the strong Indian batting line-up. Markram will look to do well in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs (wk), Marco Jansen, David Miller, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andlie Pheloukwayo, Keshav Maharaj
India Preview
Suryakumar Yadav's side comes into this series with a 4-1 series win against Australia at home. The side has done well against South Africa in South Africa and shall look to build on that record in this game. The key players are in good form, and this side has been strengthened with senior players coming to the side. They are favorites on cricket betting apps, and Yadav would look to justify that with a good performance.
Shubman Gill comes to the side and will look to deliver a good start with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Ishan Kishan has done well in the middle order and will look to add runs with Yadav and Tilak Varma. Rinku Singh has been striking the ball well and will look to give an excellent finishing touch to Ravindra Jadeja.
The South Africans have a strong batting line-up, and the Indians will need a good start from Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh. Kuldeep Singh will look to trouble the South African batters in the middle overs with Ravi Bishnoi. Jadeja adds X-factor to the side, making this attack strong.
Expected Starting XI for India
Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Mohammad Siraj
TOSS: To Bowl First
The wicket here has something for the bowlers at the start and eases as the game progresses. Most teams have won games at this venue chasing the score. The side that wins the toss won't hesitate to bowl first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
The skies over Port Elizabeth will be cloudy with a chance for rain. We expect seam movement, but batsmen would also enjoy the conditions with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. The side batting first shall need 170 runs on the board to feel safe on this track.
OUR PREDICTION
South Africa has been in poor form in this format. The bowling attack has failed the side on more than one occasion, and the performance of their bowlers will be crucial for the side's fortunes. Indians have a strong batting line-up and a good record against South Africa in T20 cricket, making them favorites.
Our Prediction is for India to win
)
