India vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | First T20 International

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Following their emphatic response to losing the Test series, India are now aiming to follow up their ODI series success in the T20i format.

Date/time:

Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, India

Weather: Sunny with light winds and temperatures of 27c

How to watch: UK – TNT Sports / USA – Willow TV

India vs South Africa prediction

India took full advantage of the boost brought to the team by having Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli available in the ODI series. Kohli runs in particular were critical to their success, but now they need to again focus on life without the pair as the hosts pivot to 20-over mode. On paper, their team is strong with IPL superstars everywhere you look. Hardik Pandya is back, Suryakumar Yadav leads the side and Jasprit Bumrah spearheads the bowling attack.

South Africa have picked a side that meets fire with fire and whilst fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is not involved, their unit is power-packed with explosive hitters both up top and right down the order. Despite them not playing this format anymore for India, it won’t be easy for the hosts to quickly adapt again to not having Rohit and Kohli in their dressing room and that makes South Africa worth backing to edge the first T20i.

India vs South Africa tip: South Africa to win