South Africa vs India
South Africa vs India. (Credits: BCCI)

India and South Africa will begin their bilateral series with three-match T20I series followed by three Tests. Dharamsala will host the first T20I match on September 15 (Sunday). Who can win the game and take a 1-0 lead in the series? 

South Africa have landed in India as the underdogs after a dismal World Cup campaign. They have a new skipper in Quinton de Kock, who will look to set his priorities right from the start. Although the Proteas a new squad but have plenty of talents.

The players from the Rainbow Nation will bank on their experience of playing in the IPL to overcome the India challenge. This series will mark the countdown for the World T20 next in Australia and South Africa will be keen to find the combinations right quickly.

India vs South Africa 2019: 1st T20I – Match Prediction
Quinton de Kock (L) and Enoch Nkwe (R). Credit: AFP

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On the other hand, India are already a series old on their road to the World Cup. Virat Kohli & Co are coming from the back of the series whitewash against West Indies. But as they embark on a long home season, the Men in Blues will look to set the tone early in the series.

With only 12 months to go for the competition, the Indian management will wish to try out new combinations and see what suits the best for the team. Hardik Pandya will return to the squad after missing the West Indies series due to a few niggles. India will hope to come out as a team and do what they have been doing the best.

Date and Place: India vs South Africa, September 15 (Sunday) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

Read More: India vs South Africa 2019: 1st T20I – India’s Predicted Playing XI

Match Prediction

India and South Africa have produced nerve-wreaking encounters whenever these two teams have gone up against each other. Most of the matches have gone to the wire giving the fans the full value of their money.

India vs South Africa 2019: 1st T20I – Match Prediction
Rohit Sharma. Credit: Twitter

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The first of the three-match T20I series in Dharamsala will be no different. India will start as the favourites considering they will be playing in front of the home crowd and known conditions. Moreover, they lead South Africa 8-5 in the 13 T20I matches they have played against each other.

Although South Africa are known for putting up great fights but considering the inexperience, they have in their squad and the absence of Faf du Plessis, India have a fair chance of going 1-0 ahead in the series.

 

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