 "India will look to further extend their lead, while South Africa eye a comeback. Image: AFP")
India and South Africa are facing each other in the second T20I of the five-match series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday night. This is the first-ever men’s T20I at this new venue.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first. He said that bowling first looks like the better option on this ground and added that he is excited to lead the team in the stadium’s first international T20. India are going with the same playing XI that won the first match.
“We will have a bowl first. There was already a little bit of dew over there, so I think bowling first would be a better option. This has always been a wonderful ground. When we played here during franchise cricket, and recently saw a women’s game also happen here, it was wonderful. And the first men’s game, I heard, is happening here - international, so very excited for it. I’m sure the crowd are also excited,” SKY said.
SKY also praised Hardik Pandya’s efforts in his first match back from injury. “The balance which he (Hardik Pandya) provides in the team is amazing. The way he batted, the way he keeps calm on the ground when he’s batting, when it’s a pressure situation. And the way he bowled also; I think that’s more important. His overs are also really important for the side. The way he carried himself throughout the game, it didn’t look like he was injured,” he said.
South Africa skipper Aiden Markram said he also wanted to field first, as the wicket looks good for batting later. The visitors have made three changes to their side. Reeza Hendricks, George Linde and Ottniel Baartman come in, while Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje miss out.
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View AllIndia currently lead the series 1-0 after a strong all-round performance in the first T20I. The pitch in New Chandigarh is expected to be a good one for batting, but early assistance for pacers is likely.
India vs South Africa, 2nd T20I: Playing XIs
India’s playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa’s playing XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman