For the first time since their memorable T20 World Cup 2007 semi-final win over Australia, India will play a T20 International at this historic venue. In their most recent T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last October, India posted an impressive 297/6, the highest T20I score by a Full-Member team, with Sanju Samson hitting his maiden T20I century.
The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side is expected to keep a similar playing combination, though injuries have ruled out Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, and Shivam Dube. Their absence opens the door for fresh faces Ramandeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and Yash Dayal, who may make their T20I debuts against South Africa.
Predicted Line-Ups for 1st T20I
India’s Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Varun Chakaravarthy/Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa’s Predicted XI: Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Nqabayomzi Peter, Ottneil Baartman.
Full Squads
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Dayal, Ravi Bishnoi, Ramandeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma.
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Nqabayomzi Peter, Ottneil Baartman, Donovan Ferreira, Mihlali Mpongwana, Patrick Kruger.