What
The only T20 international between India and South Africa
When
January 9, 2011. The game begins at 6 pm, IST.
Where
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. This is the first ever international cricket match being hosted at this venue.
The Teams
Both teams have a new look about them going into this game. South Africa is captained by Johan Botha while MS Dhoni continues as captain for India in this format as well.
Virat Kohli, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh should almost certainly make up the middle order batting line-up for India tomorrow along with Dhoni. What remains to be seen, though, is who will open the innings along with Virender Sehwag in the absence of Gautam Gambhir (out with an injury). And with Zaheer Khan, S Sreesanth and Harbhajan having shouldered the burden of the bowling in the Test series, the bowlers’ positions could be up for grabs between R Ashwin, Munaf Patel, Praveen Kumar and Ashish Nehra.
South Africa have only picked a squad of twelve going into this game. They have a few established T20 stars – Colin Ingram, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and Botha – in their side. But India should be most wary of Rusty Theron, the fast bowler, who playing for his local club Warriors had an exceptional run at CLT20 2010. Also, the South Africans will save a lot more runs in the field than the Indians. Further, given that they are playing in front of their home crowd should spur the Proteas to put on their very best show.
Quick Stats (only for India v South Africa):
Played – 4, India won – 3, SA won – 1
Highest Total: India 186/5 in 20 overs at Gros Islet - May 2, 2010
Lowest Total: South Africa 116/9 in 20 overs at Durban – September 20, 2007
Best Individual score:Suresh Raina (India) 101 (60 balls)at Gros Islet - May 2, 2010
Best bowling figures in an innings:RP Singh (India) 4-0-13-4 at Durban – September 20, 2007
The Teams (probable playing XIs):
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (c & wk), Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel and Ashish Nehra
South Africa: Johan Botha (c), Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, David Miller, Colin Ingram, JP Duminy, AB de Villiers (wk), Wayne Parnell, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Makhaya Ntini
