The significance of the first game is paramount, as a victorious start could potentially grant one of the teams a crucial early advantage and set the tone for the intense battles ahead. However, both competing squads will be missing some seasoned campaigners. Despite the loss in experience, the absence of these established players creates an opportunity for emerging stars to shine and carve their names into the history of cricket.
T20 stats and records at Kingsmead Stadium:
- Total matches: 22
- Matches won batting first: 11
- Matches won bowling first: 9
- Average first Innings scores: 153
- Average second Innings scores: 135
- Highest total recorded: 226/6 (20 Overs) by Australia vs South Africa
- Lowest total recorded: 73/10 (16.5 Overs) by Kenya vs New Zealand
- Highest score chased: 191/5 (17.5 Overs) by Australia vs South Africa
- Lowest score defended: 125/6 (20 Overs) by South Africa Women vs West Indies Women
Also READ: SA vs IND: Date, Match Timings, Squads & Live Streaming details | India tour of South Africa 2023-24
Kingsmead Stadium Pitch Report:
The Kingsmead stadium pitch is renowned for its inclination to support bowlers, especially the seamers who benefit from additional movement caused by the track’s moisture. Conversely, spinners face challenges in finding their rhythm here. Nevertheless, batters have the potential to accumulate significant runs if they settle in. The team that wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first, aiming to post a substantial total.
Durban Weather Forecast:
Durban Weather Forecast (Image Source: Twitter)
The weather in Durban is expected to be cloudy, with a high likelihood of rain showers, accounting for a 70% chance of precipitation. Despite the expected disruptions, spectators can anticipate the fixture to proceed. The temperature at the venue is projected to be approximately 21 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels around 85%, and a wind speed of around 23 kmph.
South Africa vs India, Probable XIs:
South Africa: Aiden Markram (C), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Matthew Breetzke, Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lizaad Williams
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja (vc), Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Also READ: SA vs IND: South Africa’s best playing XI for the T20I series against India
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