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South Africa vs India First T20I Tips - Visitors have a slight edge

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

08 Dec 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 08 Dec 2023

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South Africa vs India First T20I predictions to be played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday night, Indian time
South Africa have lost their last 4 T20Is at this venue
India have won 8 of their last 9 completed T20Is

Can the Indian team minus the regulars keep the Proteas at bay? (Getty Images)

South Africa vs India First T20I

With key players rested by both South Africa and India, the three-game T20I series is likely to test both squads. The first of the matches will be played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Sunday with the match starting at 7:30pm IST.

South Africa vs India First T20I
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
India Form
India Team News

South Africa will look to check their combinations as this remains their only set of matches before taking the flight to the Caribbean. India also have rested their regulars but almost all the squad has played in the series against Australia. Will that help them in the final analysis? I am backing India to start the series with a win.

South Africa have lost their last 4 matches at this venue (T20Is)
South Africa have lost 5 of their 7 home matches against India (T20Is)
India have won 8 of their last 9 completed matches (T20Is)
Reeza Hendricks has scored at least 42 in 9 of his last 11 matches (T20Is)

Head to Head

South Africa have played India in 24 T20Is so far with ten wins for the Proteas and 13 wins for India. The remaining match ended without any result.

The last time these sides met was in the 2022 World Cup in Perth when they won by five wickets.

South Africa Form

South Africa rung in the changes after the ODI World Cup resting captain Temba Bavuma and giving the leadership to Aiden Markram. The focus is mostly on the two-Test series to follow after the white-ball format.

The hosts will be looking for some answers in their pace department as the two uncapped players Ottniel Baartman and Nandre Burger will look to kickstart their careers.

Batting will have to be shored by Markram and Reeza Hendricks as Quinton de Kock gives the series a miss to participate in the Big Bash League.

South Africa Team News

Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the series due to an injury and South Africa have named Beuran Hendricks as a replacement.

India Form

India travel here after playing in the five-match series against Australia at home. They won that 4-1 playing under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy as regulars are rested.

That is once again the case as SKY continues to lead a group of T20 specialists. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravi Bishnoi were the success stories from the Australia series for India and it would be interesting to see if they remain top of the game.

Mohammed Siraj makes a comeback to the squad along with Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav.

India Team News

It could be a toss-up between Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the opener’s slot. Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav while Mukesh Kumar could edge out Deepak Chahar.

South Africa vs India First T20I FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs India First T20I live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs India First T20I live stream.

What time does South Africa vs India First T20I start?

This South Africa vs India First T20I will be played at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on December 10, Sunday starting at 7:30pm IST.

Verdict

South Africa v India - 1st Twenty20 Match

India are coming off a series against Australia, although the conditions are completely different. That said, T20s are regularly played on batting surfaces and India would fancy their chances against a side that could feel a bit rusty. I am backing India to win here, while Reeza Hendricks could be the guy for South Africa as his consistency could come into play and see him pile runs.