SA vs IND 2023 LIVE Updates Live Score Updates on South Africa vs India, 1st T20I

The South African cricket summer is all set to kick off with a thrilling three-match T20 international series against India. Fresh from a dominating 4-1 series win against Australia, India would be eager to make their mark in the series.

As teams gear up for the T20 World Cup next June, both sides will see this series as a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their set-up. With a second-string lineup, India showcased their depth against Australia, leaving selectors with a good headache of plenty. On the other side, South Africa, having experimented before the ODI World Cup, would be keen on redemption after a 0-3 T20I series loss to Australia.

The Proteas, missing key players like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi, are introducing new faces like Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, and Ottniel Baartman. With T20 World Cup spots up for grabs, these youngsters would be looking to play confidently and secure their ticket. 

Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke might open the batting, while Markram is likely to bat at three. The middle order, featuring Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, and Andile Phehlukwayo, adds solidity and explosiveness. The bowling attack comprises Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Lizaad Williams, and lone spinner Keshav Maharaj.

India look to rectify lacklustre previous performances

For India, the series offers a chance to rectify a lacklustre previous performance in South Africa. Returning players like Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj aim to bolster the team. The batting order may see Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad opening, with Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav following. India’s lineup, however, doesn’t bat as deep as South Africa’s, posing a challenge if early wickets fall.

The Kingsmead Stadium’s pitch favours both pace and spin, resembling Indian conditions. The toss could be crucial, with teams opting to bat in 11 out of the last 15 games, highlighting the challenge of chasing. Teams batting first might target a score above 185 for a competitive edge.