As they prepare for the opening match in Durban, fans can look forward to an exciting rematch of the T20 World Cup final
As India prepares for a new four-match T20I series in South Africa starting from November 8, and St George's Park will host the 2nd T20I, it's worth revisiting the last time they faced the Proteas at St George's Park in Gqeberha 2023. The rain-affected game was thrilling and saw South Africa clinch victory via the DLS method. Despite India setting a competitive target, the home side's chase showed their adaptability and depth. Here's a detailed look back at that memorable clash and how it shaped both teams' approaches in T20 cricket.
Batting first, India encountered an early setback, losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill for ducks, a rare occurrence in T20I cricket. South Africa's Marco Jansen delivered a superb spell, using bounce and movement to trouble the Indian batters. Suryakumar Yadav, leading from the front, stabilised the innings with a brisk 56 off 36 balls. His knock included five boundaries and three sixes, adding much-needed momentum. With an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls, Rinku Singh carried India to a challenging total of 180/7 in 19.3 overs before rain interrupted play.
South Africa's bowlers, particularly Gerald Coetzee and Tabraiz Shamsi, played a crucial role in containing India's score. Coetzee took 3/32, stalling India's progress during vital phases of the innings. Shamsi, known for his control, bowled an economical spell, giving away only 18 runs in his four overs and taking the prized wicket of Suryakumar Yadav. Their disciplined performance restricted India from accelerating in the death overs, setting the stage for a challenging chase for the Proteas.
Due to rain, South Africa's target was revised to 152 in 15 overs. Reeza Hendricks led the charge with a fiery 49 off 27 balls, displaying aggressive stroke play that kept South Africa's chase on course. Matthew Breetzke chipped in with a quick 16, and captain Aiden Markram added a crucial 30 off 17 balls. Their combined efforts placed South Africa in a strong position, though India's bowlers managed to put some pressure on the middle order by picking key wickets at crucial moments.
Both teams leveraged spin to control the flow of runs. Kuldeep Yadav gave India a breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Hendricks, temporarily slowing South Africa's momentum. However, Shamsi's outstanding spell truly stood out, as he restricted India's middle order. His economical bowling set the foundation for South Africa's chase, and his four-over performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his impact on the game.
South Africa's chase saw late stumbles as Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller were dismissed for 7 and 17, respectively, giving India hope. Yet, Tristan Stubbs (14) and Andile Phehlukwayo (10) remained calm, guiding the Proteas home with seven balls remaining. This win showcased South Africa's batting depth and resilience as they wrapped up the series with an unassailable lead. The victory underscored the Proteas' adaptability, especially under pressure, and the value of experience in finishing close games.
INDIA SQUAD FOR SOUTH AFRICA T20Is:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 25, 2024
Suryakumar (C), Abhishek, Samson (WK), Rinku, Tilak , Jitesh (WK), Hardik, Axar, Ramandeep, Varun, Bishnoi, Arshdeep, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh, Yash Dayal. pic.twitter.com/gdajWtn9UH
This high-stakes encounter at St George's Park gave India's young squad valuable experience, especially as they head into another four-match series in South Africa. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy keeping India's senior players in Australia, Suryakumar Yadav and his young team will aim to leverage lessons from this game as they face South Africa's formidable side once again. As India heads into their opening match in Durban, both teams will be keen to make a strong start in what promises to be an intense series.
