India won the toss for the first time in the four-match T20I series against South Africa, with Suryakumar Yadav deciding to bat at the Wanderers. A win here will secure a series victory for India, who already lead 2-1, while South Africa must win to stay alive.
Team Compositions:
Both teams fielded unchanged XIs, reflecting confidence in their respective combinations despite contrasting performances in the series.
India:
- India’s reliance on spin continues to pay dividends, with Varun Chakravarthy leading the wickets tally (10 wickets), followed by Arshdeep Singh (5 wickets). Ravi Bishnoi has also played a key supporting role.
- Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya have been instrumental in anchoring the batting order, while Rinku Singh has been a revelation in finishing roles.
South Africa:
- South Africa persists with their four-seam attack despite mixed results. Gerald Coetzee and Lutho Sipamla have been expensive but will aim for a better showing, with Sipamla drawing confidence from recent domestic success at this venue.
- Keshav Maharaj remains their sole specialist spinner.
- The batting lineup, led by Aiden Markram and supported by Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks, will look to capitalize on the home conditions.
Player to Watch:
- Varun Chakravarthy (India): With his 10 wickets, he has been a game-changer, especially on seamer-friendly tracks.
- Lutho Sipamla (South Africa): Playing on his home ground, Sipamla could be a key factor in containing India.
India Playing XI:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy
South Africa Playing XI:
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Andile Simelane, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla
Key Stats:
- India is eyeing their fifth successive bilateral T20I series win in 2024.
- With 23 wins in 25 matches this year, India has been dominant in T20 cricket.
The game promises high stakes as India aims to close out the series, while South Africa fights to force a decider.