SA vs IND 2018, 1st T20I: South Africa Bowling First; Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey Return for India

South Africa won the toss and decided to field first in the first of the three T20 Internationals at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.

South Africa have rested most of their first team stars keeping in mind the upcoming Test series against Australia. The Proteas will be led by JP Duminy. On the other hand, the visitors are going in with the strongest possible team. For the hosts, AB de Villiers is not playing while Suresh Raina has returned for India.

Here is what the captains said:

JP Duminy:

“We will bowl first. It is easier to chase in a day game. It’s difficult to defend in the Highveld. AB de Villiers is not playing today. He hurt his knee in the last game, so we want to rest him. Klaasen, Junior Dala are playing.”

Virat Kohli:

“We wanted to bowl as well, wanted to chase down the target. But this is a gun wicket, so should play good throughout. Suresh Raina is back in the team, Manish Pandey, Unadkat, Bhuvi return. The mood is great in the dressing room. We are looking forward to do well.”

Preview:

With the ODI series done and dusted, both the teams will now shift their focus to the T20Is. The ODI series was an one-sided affair with India completely dominating the hosts, thus winning it 5-1.  With form and momentum on their side, the tourists will be starting the game as firm favourites.

On the other hand, the visitors will be seeking a change in their fortunes in a new format. After winning the Tests, they failed to put up a good challenge in the ODIs and will be desperate to bounce back in the shortest format of the game.

Here is the playing eleven of both teams:

South Africa:

JJ Smuts, Reeza Hendricks, Jean-Paul Duminy(c), AB de Villiers, Farhaan Behardien, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

India:

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni(w), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah