India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd T20I, Mohali - Match Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Predicted XI & Match Prediction

India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd T20I, Mohali – Match Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Predicted XI & Match Prediction; The rain god has got other ideas in his mind on last Sunday when the first T20I game was slated to play. However, both teams come up with renewed energy for the second game, as there is a series at the stake. The match is set to be played at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali.

With the stakes so high, there is not much scope for mistakes by either team in this second T20I. India who are fresh off a successful tour of West Indies will look to take advantage of a Proteas team that is currently in the middle of a rebuilding process.

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With preparations underway for the T20 World Cup in Australia next year, India needs to focus on discovering the winning formula alongside effectively grooming individuals for respective positions in the team.

South Africa, on the other hand, had an underwhelming summer in England getting knocked out in the group stages of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The focus will be on the World T20 next year for newly appointed skipper Quinton de Kock and his men.

Hardik Pandya is back for India:

As far as team combinations are concerns, Hardik Pandya should walk into the playing XI straightaway. It will be interesting to see who gets the captain’s vote between the spin quartet of Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, and Rahul Chahar. Krunal and Jadeja are the favourites considering his prowess with the bat.

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are set to open the batting for India. It will be interesting to see whether KL Rahul gets the nod or not on his home soil during IPL. And also, Shreyas Iyer might just get the nod ahead of Manish Pandey, who fared poorly in the T20Is versus West Indies.

South Africa has not only got the puzzle to pick players but also about the lineup of the team. With young all-rounders in the setup, it would be tough for the management to arrange a perfect XI. Meanwhile, the pace of Beuran Hendricks, stalwart Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje will be crucial, while Tabraiz Shamsi is expected to be the lone spinner in the side.

Read More: India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd T20I – Match Prediction

India vs South Africa 2019: 2nd T20 – Match Preview

Date and Venue: 18th September 2019, PCA Stadium, Mohali

Time – 7:00 PM IST

Pitch Report:

A run feast on the cards. It is a known thing that Mohali pitch is a paradise for the batsman while bowlers would be on their toes. The fans can expect a high-scoring thriller at Mohali. Most importantly, no rain is in the forecast.

Weather Forecast:

After rain vanishing the game away on Sunday, the forecast looks pretty decent for the second game. Most probably, there would be no delay in the start of the game or any break during the course of the game. A perfect 40-over game is on the cards.

Predicted Playing XI:

India –  Rohit Sharma (VC), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (Captain), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini.

South Africa – Quinton de Kock (captain), Rassie van der Dussen (vice-captain), George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Beuran Hendricks, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Match Prediction:

Without any ray of a doubt, the Indian National Cricket Team led by Virat Kohli is going to start as favourites in the game. However, South Africa has got young legs which can kick the opposition out on their day. All in all, a cracking contest is on the cards with heavy advantage to Virat Kohli-led side.

Head-to-head stats

Matches: 14

India Won: 8

South Africa Won: 5

NR: 1