SA vs IND: South Africa playing XI vs India, 1st T20I, 2023 – Predicted

South Africa will lock horns with India in the first T20I game on Sunday in Durban.

South Africa will host India for a multi-format series in December and January. This will be their first international assignment after the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This tour will start with the first T20I game on December 10 (Sunday) to be played at Kingsmead, Durban. It is an important series in terms of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.

Hence, proteas will look to use this as preparation. There will be some big names that will be featured in the series for the hosts. Aiden Markram will be leading the team. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for South Africa for the first game.

SA vs IND: South Africa’s Predicted playing XI vs India

1. Reeza Hendricks :

Reeza Hendricks will be opening the innings for the hosts. The right-hander is a classical batter who can charge as per the situation. He plays some glorious shots and keeps the scoring rate-up, which makes him a difficult batter to bowl to. He doesn’t get many chances, but his record is pretty fantastic at the top.

2. Aiden Markram (C) :

In the absence of Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram is in charge and will be batting at the top. He is a much improved T20I batter and showed the glimpse at the ODI World Cup 2023 in India with some rapid innings. He is also a pretty handy bowler, and he will be a big wicket for India in the game.

3. Donovan Ferreira :

Donovan Ferreira is another attacking batter who can bat anywhere in the order. He made his T20I debut recently and is a highly rated player. He can take on the bowling at any time. It will be interesting to see in which position he will bat because he can create some brilliance at any position.

4. Heinrich Klaasen :

If Heinrich Klaasen gets going, it will be hard for Indian team to overcome the carnage he will create. He is probably the biggest striker in the middle-order in the current generation. Klaasen will be the biggest threat for India, and the visitors should get him out early or else there will be nothing left for them.

5. David Miller:

The veteran performer David Miller will be another attacking batter that India needs to take care of. The southpaw has everything to change the situation of the game on his own, which he has been doing over the years for his country. Miller has played these Indian bowlers in IPL and will be confident to do well on Sunday.

6. Tristan Stubbs :

A striker rate of 158.45 in T20 internationals speaks a lot about any batter, and Tristan Stubbs is that guy who can make a big impact on his day. He will enjoy batting against Indian bowlers and will be looking to do well in this series because his inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 will depend on how he does here. 

7. Marco Jansen :

Marco Jansen will be the one who gives this side a great balance with his all-round skill. He was pretty impressive in the World Cup 2023 with both bat and ball and made his mark as a genuine all-rounder. Jansen’s first role will be to take wickets with the new ball and hit some sixes at the back end of the innings.

8. Gerald Coetzee :

Gerald Coetzee will be the one to watch out for. The exciting pacer is always in the face of the batters, and his wild celebrations are worth watching. He was South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in India during World Cup and will carry that form into this series. Coetzee is a wicket-taker, and it will be an exciting challenge for Indians.

9. Keshav Maharaj :

Keshav Maharaj will be the specialist spinner in the side and the one who is always consistent with the ball. The veteran bowler was pretty consistent with the ball, which is why he became the No. 1 ranked ODI bowler. Now he will be expected to do the same in a shorter format and help South Africa win.

10. Beuran Hendricks :

Beuran Hendricks has replaced Lungi Ngidi in the South Africa squad, who has been ruled out due to injury. Hendricks has played 19 T20Is and taken 25 wickets, and he will be sharing the new ball with Jansen. He has had a pretty good domestic performance, which earned him a spot as a replacement. Hendricks can be tricky with the new ball, which will be on the minds of India.

11. Lizaad Williams :

Lizaad Williams is another bowler that will be part of the South African playing XI for the first game. The 30-year-old is all about raw pace and can bowl hard balls consistently. He has the skillset of a true South African pacer, who likes to bowl heavy balls with a quick pace, and will be a hurdle to cross for Indians.

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