South Africa vs India Match Preview, 3rd T20I

South Africa and India will lock horns in the all-important third T20I in the four-match series on Wednesday, November 13, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The series in placed on a knife's edge at 1-1.

India won the first game comprehensively in Durban after Sanju Samson starred with a magnificent ton and helped the visitors post a mammoth 202/8 in their 20 overs. South Africa were bundled out for 141 in the second innings, as Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi bagged three wickets apiece. Avesh Khan also chipped in with two important wickets as the Men in Blue won by 61 runs.

The Proteas fought back commendably in the second T20I and snapped India's 11-match unbeaten run in the format. Captain Aiden Markram rotated his bowlers nicely and kept the Indian batters under pressure with some attacking fields. The Men in Blue huffed and puffed their way to 124/6 as the South African bowlers gave away just nine runs off the last two overs. The hosts slumped to 86 for the loss of seven wickets at one stage thanks to Chakaravarthy's magical five-wicket haul. However, Tristan Stubbs played a mature knock with Gerald Coetzee for company to take their team home with three wickets and an over to spare.

Interestingly, Coetzee is the second-highest run-getter for South Africa after two matches as he is only behind Tristan Stubbs. The top and middle-order batters in the Proteas line-up need to step up and take more responsibility. The experienced troika of Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller have looked out of sorts.

Meanwhile, India look settled with the bat, even though they would like to be a little more watchful in the start of their innings. Sanju Samson started the series on a brilliant note as he slammed a century in Durban. However, Gqeberha wasn't memorable for the wicketkeeper-batter, as he only managed a three-ball duck. The form of Chakaravarthy, who has picked up eight wickets from two games in the series, is a huge positive for India, and they would want the 33-year-old to continue the purple patch.

Also Check: South Africa vs India 2024 News

SA vs IND Match Details

Pitch Report

Batters are expected to have a field day at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. In the 14 T20Is played at this venue, the average first innings score has been around 193. Seven matches have been won by teams batting first, while chasing teams have also won as many games. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first could be the better option as it will give the chasing team an idea of the surface and the target they have to chase down.

Also Check: South Africa vs India 2024 Stats

Head-To-Head Records