One week from today is the opening performance. India and South Africa would therefore be especially motivated to give the last dress rehearsal their all.
Before the T20 World Cup in Australia kicks off with the group stage matches on October 16, the teams have one final chance to work out the kinks, try something new, and for the stars to get their act together, the three-match T20I series, which begins at the Greenfield Stadium here on Wednesday. South Africa will begin its World Cup campaign on October 24, while India will play Pakistan in its opening encounter on October 23.
Both teams will benefit greatly from a strong performance in this series. After winning their most recent respective series, they arrived in this city, which is renowned for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and traditional as well as colonial architecture, in a confident state of mind.
Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram has a long history of cricket, and the game is anticipated to draw a large crowd. Both teams have a tonne of show-stoppers, so the spectators have a lot to look forward to.
The South Africans will do anything to stem the flow of runs from India’s top and middle order, which are being scored not only with physical force but also with a great deal of finesse. Virat Kohli’s recent resurgence has given Indian supporters the most joy in recent memory.
After scoring the game-winning, unbeaten 20-ball 46 against Australia in the eight-over shootout at Nagpur, captain Rohit Sharma also appears to be in fantastic form.
Rohit had mentioned the team’s concern about its death bowling following the triumph, which was much needed after the setback at the Asia Cup and the weeks leading up to the World Cup.
He must be looking for stronger performances from the pacers, but he ought to be pleased with Axar Patel’s performance as a left-arm spinner against the Australians.
Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, and Wayne Parnell make up the visitors’ potent pace battery in bowling.
