We preview the second T20I between India and South Africa at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.
Mohali was always know to have a lively track that favoured the fast bowlers, but as time went by it proved to be just as favorable to spin bowling.
This progression should make the wicket conducive to an exciting battle between two well-balanced sides.
Emphasis will be on the Proteas’ new T20I skipper Quinton de Kock and how he handles the pressures of captaincy.
It will also be intriguing to see how interim Proteas Team Director Enoch Nkwe will set up his playing XI, and the brand of cricket his side will display.
READ: DE KOCK HOPES TO CHANNEL POSITIVITY FROM CAPTAINCY
From India’s point of view, they will look to exploit the Proteas’ inexperienced batting lineup while the visitors will target India’s inexperienced bowling unit.
Team Predictions
A crucial decision for the Proteas will be whether to play one, two or three spinners. The benefits from playing both George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin is that they provide extra batting depth.
Playing Tabraiz Shamsi means the Proteas will forfeit batting strength but he provides experience, especially in the T20 format.
Predicting how the Proteas will set up will be pure speculation as this will be their first competitive match under a completely new leadership group.
Therefore the probable XI will be based on what we at Cricket Fanatics Magazine believe is the best starting XI to cover all basis.
READ: “WE’RE NOT GOING TO BACK DOWN FROM ANYONE” – ANRICH NORTJE
Probable Proteas XI:
1. Quinton de Kock (c, wk)
2. Reeza Hendricks
3. Rassie van der Dussen (vc)
4. Temba Bavuma
5. David Miller
6. Andile Phehlukwayo
7. Dwaine Pretorius
8. Bjorn Fortuin
9. George Linde
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Anrich Nortje
Probable India XI:
1. Rohit Sharma
2. Shikhar Dhawan
3. Virat Kohli (c)
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. Rishabh Pant (wk)
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Krunal Pandya
8. Rahul Chahar
9. Khaleel Ahmed
10. Deepak Chahar
11. Navdeep Saini
The second T20I is scheduled to get underway at 15:30 on 18 September.
WATCH: QUINTON DE KOCK PRESSER
Photo: Cricket South Africa/Twitter
