India vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Preview, Dream11 and more
The Indian cricket team will face South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series in Dharamsala on Sunday. Both teams will be wanting to get off to a winning start keeping the preparations for the 2020 ICC World T20 in mind. One expects to see several experiments throughout the series. Here we present the complete match preview.
Venue, Conditions, pitch report, timing and TV listing
The match is set to be played in the Himalayan lap of Dharamsala. The conditions will be overcast. The pitch is set to assist batting at large. One can expect runs to flow. However, things could get slower as the game progresses. The match is scheduled for a 7:00 PM IST start. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network.
India need to find the right balance
India will be aiming to continue their run in T20Is. They come from a series win against West Indies last month. Team India will be tempted to go in with at least three spin options with Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya being pivotal all-rounders. Hardik Pandya's all-round delight will boost India in both batting and pace department. India need to get the balance right.
De Kock to lead a fresh South African side
South Africa will be led by Quinton de Kock. He knows the conditions well and his runs at the top will be of immense value. It's a new feel to this side. SA have a sound bowling attack and quality all-round department. The likes of George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin will get a look in. Pacer Kagiso Rabada will be their best bet.
Dream11: Rohit, De Kock lead the proceedings
Rohit Sharma gets the captaincy nod in this Dream11 side. He opens the batting with De Kock (vice-captain). Rassie van der Dussen follows suit. David Miller and Reeza Hendricks add stability in the middle order. Hardik Pandya, Jadeja and Andile Phehlukwayo are the three all-rounders. The three-man bowling attack comprises of Rabada, Navdeep Saini and Deepak Chahar.
Key players to watch out for
This series is another opportunity for someone like Rishabh Pant to show his credentials. The youngster hasn't quite lived up to expectations in limited-overs cricket in general. The experienced openers will want to make their presence felt. For SA, a lot is riding on the likes of De Kock and Rabada's shoulders. Tabraiz Shamsi as the main spinner has an important job ahead.
