India vs South Africa, 3rd T20I, Bengaluru: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

India vs South Africa, 3rd T20I, Bengaluru: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Hardik Pandya India South Africa

India have ensured there isn’t too much of an issue if they lose the final T20I in Bengaluru against South Africa, given they already have an unassailable 1-0 lead. The priority is figuring out the right combinations and plans ahead of the T20 World Cup 2020. South Africa are in the same boat, with a young squad under a new captain.

A lot of eyes will be on Rishabh Pant. The 21-year-old has been under increased focus after Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, India’s captain and coach, suggested he should pick his shots better. It didn’t help that he was dismissed for 4 in Mohali, with Kohli watching on at the other end, and there will only be a few of these fluffed chances that will be tolerated by the management. It’ll be interesting to see whether they shift Pant down in place of the impressive Shreyas Iyer, who has been making a case for a himself – there were two half-centuries in the one-day internationals in the West Indies last month.

South Africa, meanwhile, will be happy with how their new captain handled the increased responsibility: Quinton de Kock he scored a 37-ball 52, and in doing so, dispelled any concerns that captaincy would curb his own form. However, following his dismissal, the team stalled, and there was a lack of urgency.

Temba Bavuma scored 49 on debut, but his strike-rate of 113.95 was far from sufficient, while the rest of the middle order lumbered. More is expected from South Africa, and it remains to be seen whether they do anything to rev things up.

Head to head

It’s 14 T20Is now the two sides have clashed in. India hold the upper hand, with victories in nine of them. However, their loss in Mohali was South Africa’s first to India in India in three matches. It’s still a superior record in India for the South Africa, and the visitors will be hoping to make that count.

Key players

Virat Kohli (India): The Indian captain loves a chase. He starred in Mohali and was named Player of the Match, and once he hits his stride, the stroke-play is immaculate. Given the final T20I is in Bangalore – his home away from home, what with the IPL – Kohli is expected to hit them crisper and better.

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): The Proteas express paceman gave away 24 runs in three overs in Mohali, and while that is fairly economical, he will be expected to deliver with wickets in Bengaluru. India put on partnerships smartly in their chase, but given he is South Africa’s go-to bowler, the onus is on Rabada to break those stands.

Likely XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (c/wk), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Dwayne Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Prediction

India to ease to another victory, and make it 2-0.