South Africa v India, 1st T20I: South Africa Predicted XI

After a disastrous ODI series, the Proteas will be eager to avenge some pride in the opening T20I match at the Wanderers in Johannesburg tomorrow. The Indian wrist spinners have simply exceptional and never allowed the hosts to force their way back in to the ODI series. JP Duminy will be South Africa’s skipper in the shortest format and there are series of changes from the limited overs squad. Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram are not part of the team and there are two new faces in the likes of JJ Smuts and Reeza Hendricks in the top of the order.

So with the match still around 24 hours to start let us have a look at the South African Predicted XI

JJ Smuts:

Smuts is a swashbuckling and has made a reputation for himself especially in the shortest format of the game. He can smack the ball a long way and could well be the difference for South Africa in the top of the order which was lacking in the ODI series.

Reeza Hendricks:

Hendricks can also play the big shots but hasn’t been consistent enough. He has played 9 T20I’s in his career so far but doesn’t boast of a special record. He will look however look to get going against the Men in Blue.

AB de Villiers:

Now there is no doubt, that de Villiers is arguably the most complete batsman of his time. He can literally play all around them and can make bowlers look silly on occasions. He hasn’t been able to convert his starts in the last three matches of the ODI series and been dismissed by the Indians pretty cheaply. However, they will look to surely make a mark in the shortest format and salvage some pride for the hosts.

JP Duminy

The southpaw has been elected as the skipper of the shortest format in the absence of regular skipper Faf du Plessis. Duminy is no doubt a terrific player in T20’s. He can play the big shots on a consistent basis. He is a terrific batsman and if he gets going, Duminy can counter the two wrist spinners well.

David Miller:

The southpaw who was dropped from the final ODI is expected to make a return in the opening T20. He is an explosive batsman on his day can decimate any bowling attacks. He can surely make a difference as far as the hosts are concerned.

Heinrich Klaasen:

The wicket-keeper batsman has been a good addition to the squad. He has played some wonderful innings and have looked quite reliable behind the stumps. He will definitely be part of the playing XI tomorrow.

Chris Morris:

The all-rounder hasn’t been successful enough in the ODI series. However, given the shortest format, he can well make a return with a bang. He is a reliable limited overs player and can contribute in all 3 departments of the game.

Andile Phehlukwayo:

The southpaw and the medium pacer is a promising prospect. He can surely hit the big sits on a consistent basis and is a good bowler. He can go for runs on occasions but is a good man to have especially in the shortest format.

Dane Paterson:

Paterson has played 5 T20I’s and has bagged 7 wickets at an impressive average, Given their squad combination he is expected to feature in the playing XI tomorrow.

Aaron Phangiso:

The left-arm spinner has the experience of playing against India before. He is in all likelihood is expected to be part of the first team. He is a useful prospect and only time can say whether he can turn out to be the difference.

Tabraiz Shamsi:

The left-arm chinaman bowlers is expected to keep his place. He was also a part of the ODI squad. He was a former Royal Challengers mate of Virat Kohli but the Indian skipper has treated him disdain on almost all occasions he has faced him.