South Africa buoyed by huge run chase
- Change in venue could see more spin
- India out to sharpen bowling
A disappointing bowling performance led to India losing against South Africa in the first T20I despite putting up a total of 211 on board. It was the first time India had lost a T20I defending a 200-plus score. In Cuttack, for the second T20I, India wouldn’t want to change too much except bringing in more discipline in the bowling. They have odds of 1.68 to win the game.
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South Africa, on the other hand, have struggled with their bowling too. However, on a surface with big runs and short boundaries, their batters showed impeccable game awareness. They have odds of 2.08 to beat India in the second T20I.
South Africa’s edge over India
In 2022, India have played South Africa in six matches across all three formats and lost all six. These have come under three different captains too. While this stat proves little, South Africa have a psychological advantage over the hosts. That said, the short boundaries had a big role to play in their win in the first T20I. At Cuttack, it could be less of a factor, thus favouring India to win again.
Our pick: India have better balance and a strong bowling and batting group. Back India 1.68!
India will hope to use their bowlers more effectively in this game, something they missed out on in the first T20I with Yuzvendra Chahal, the leading wicket-taker in the IPL, underused.
Keep an eye on…
Ishan Kishan: In the absence of the big names, Ishan Kishan stepped up admirably to help India put up a big total. The opener was brilliant in pacing his innings and put South Africa on their backfoot with his aggression and intent.
Quinton de Kock: A run chase of 212 without Quinton de Kock firing was a big one for the Proteas. But their wicket-keeper batter at the top is a big advantage for them in this format, and it’s very unlikely we’ll see India go unpunished early on by de Kock two games in a row.
TIP: Quinton de Kock was in good form. Back him at 3.87 to be South Africa’s top batter!
