South Africa vs Zimbabwe 2018: 1st T20I, Buffalo Park - Match Preview

After the one-sided affairs in the ODI format of the game, it is the time for T20I matches. South Africa completed a whitewash in the ODI series and got the momentum on their side ahead of the first T20I of South Africa vs Zimbabwe 2018 series.

With the ODI series victory on their side, the energy is with the hosts, and they would look to carry on the same in the shortest version of the game as well. Meanwhile, South Africa also named a quality side for the classic clash.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe would like to take the revenge against Proteas. They were outclassed in the 50-over format of the game. However, they would like to give it back in their favourite format of the game.

The form of JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis will be the primary area of concerns for the hosts heading into the T20I series. Faf du Plessis came after a lengthy lay-off while JP Duminy lost his touch with the willow.

Brendan Taylor and Sean Ervine, both of them clicked in the last ODI and will want to bring their experience into play in the T20Is as well. Meanwhile, the skipper, Hamilton Masakadza also needs to up his game.

However, the shortest version of the games had always helped the Zimbabwean team doing better for their country. On the other hand, South Africa is a force to reckon in the home conditions. All in all, an intriguing clash is on its way.

Match Details:

Date and Time – October 9th, 2018; 6:00 PM LOCAL time.

Venue – Buffalo Park, East London

Weather Conditions – The forecast in East London is bright and clear with no signs of rain.

Pitch Conditions – The Buffalo Park surface has generally been a batsman’s paradise and should be no different on Tuesday.

Squads:

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Junior Dala, Quinton de Kock, Jean-Paul Duminy, Robert Frylinck, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gihahn Cloete, Rassie van der Dussen

Zimbabwe: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Solomon Mire, Neville Madziva, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Tendai Chisoro, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Chris Mpofu, Chamu Chibhabha, Wellington Masakadza, Tarisai Musakanda, Tendai Chatara