South Africa vs Australia, 2020, 1st T20I: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The first of the three-match Twenty20 International series between South Africa and Australia will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

The match starts at 06:00 PM local time (04:00 PM GMT) (09:30 PM IST). This match will be live on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD. Live Streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

After a whirlwind T20I series against England, hosts South Africa will now lock horns with perennial rivals Australia as the Quinton de Kock-led Proteas aim to continue with the good work and rebuild their way back to the top.

South Africa may have lost the series against England by 1-2 but there were a lot of good signs for the hosts. Skipper Quinton de Kock led from the front with the bat and forged a great opening pair with Temba Bavuma while the likes of Rassie van der Dussen, Henrich Klaasen chipped in with valuable performances at various stages.

South Africa were dealt with a body blow when Bavuma was ruled out from the first game due to injury but they have also been bolstered by the addition of Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada to the set-up. The addition of the latter will lend a much-needed potency to the pace attack that was found wanting against England.

Australia, on the other hand, return to South Africa for the first time since that dastardly ball-tampering scandal that ripped their reputation and team to the tatters. Two years on, the duo of Warner and Steven Smith will once again be the centre of attraction but Australia will hope that it is because of their on-field performances rather than the off-field shenanigans.

Australia are currently on a seven-match winning streak in the format but they have not won a single bilateral series- across formats- against South Africa since their 2-1 win in the T20I series back in 2016; something they would want to change in the upcoming rubber.

Weather Condition/Report

Unfortunately, scattered thunderstorms are expected to be the order of the day in Johannesburg, if the weather reports are to be believed. According to the report, the temperature is set to fluctuate between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius while the humidity is set to hover around 56%. Chances of rain- 50℅.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Another high-scoring run-fest should be the order of the day at the Wanderers. The last time a T20I was played at the venue, more than 400 runs were scored across 40 overs and South Africa wasn’t able to defend their total of 222. That said, it is expected to be an overcast day. Hence, fast bowlers may come into play early-on.

Average first innings score: 169 (In 22 T20Is played at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 11, Lost – 11

Injury and Availability News

Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the 1st T20I due to injury.

Probable Playing XIs

South Africa:

Quinton de Kock (C & WK), JJ Smuts, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, Henrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi

Bench – Petrus van Biljon, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorious, Temba Bavuma

Australia

David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Steve Smith, Matthew Wade/D’Arcy Short, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Agar, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Jhye Richardson/Kane Richardson/Sean Abbott

Bench: Matthew Wade/D’Arcy Short, Jhye Richardson/Kane Richardson/Sean Abbott

Top Picks:

South Africa- Quinton de Kock [131 runs at an average of 43.67 at a strike-rate of 214.75] was in whirlwind form against England and in the absence of Temba Bavuma, the onus will solely be on him to get his side off to a flier. Faf du Plessis’ experience will come in handy during the middle-overs alongside Dussen,  Miller, and Klaasen will be the key.

Kagiso Rabada comes into the side and considering South Africa struggled with their bowling against England, the right-handed bolter will be primed with the job of providing early wickets and also at the death.

Australia- Australia will once again bank on their top-3- Aaron Finch, David ,Warner and Steven Smith- to do the bulk of the scoring. With Glenn Maxwell not in the side, the onus of spearheading the middle-order will be on Alex Carey, Matthe,w Wade and Mitchell Marsh.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will lead the pace attack while the duo of Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa will be key in the middle overs.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Quinton de Kock, David Warner, Aaron Finch

Vice-Captain – Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock (C), Alex Carey

Batsmen –  David Warner (VC), Aaro Finch, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller

All-Rounders- Mitchell Marsh, Andile Phehlukwayo

Bowlers- Mitchell Starc, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock, Henrich Klaasen, Alex Carey

Batsmen –  Aaron Finch (C), Faf du Plessis,  Steven Smith, Rassie van der Dussen (VC)

All-Rounders- Ashton Agar

Bowlers- Pat Cummins, Dale Steyn, Adam Zampa

Expert Advice

It is going to be another run-scoring fest at the Wanderers and with so much fire power in both sides in the form of David Warner, Quinton de Kock, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Alex Carey, Rassie van der Dussen, you don’t have to look past them as far as choosing captain/vice-captain of your fantasy XI.

Probable Winners

Australia are expected to win this match.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.