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India vs South Africa 2015, 2nd T20I at Cuttack, Preview: Wounded hosts look to fight back

The second T20I promises to be an engaging affair between two sides that have a lot to look forward to in ICC World T20 2016.

© Getty Images
The batsmen of both sides ensured a run-fest in the 1st T20I at Dharamshala © Getty Images

India and South Africa face off in the second Twenty20 International (T20I) at Cuttack on Monday. Rohit Sharma’s superb 106 went in vain as the visitors pulled off a thrilling final-over victory in the first T20I at Dharamsala, thanks largely to JP Duminy‘s unbeaten 34-ball 68. India will have rued their one-dimensional pace attack, as the lack of pace of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, and Sreenath Aravind meant that the South African openers had no problem getting them off to an excellent start. Despite India taking three quick wickets, some poor bowling at the death ensured that the Proteas came out on top. Live Scorecard: India vs South Africa 2015, 2nd T20I at Cuttack

With only Rohit and Virat Kohli (43) getting amongst the runs, India will want the rest of the batsmen to find their groove in the second T20I. Suresh Raina, promoted to No. 4, squandered an excellent platform and fell to Chris Morris for 14, thereby costing India a few valuable runs at the death. Though MS Dhoni managed a couple of lusty hits toward the end, India’s eventual score of 199 for 5 never seemed beyond reach. READ: JP Duminy could be South Africa’s unexpected hero in tour of India 2015

Hashim Amla (36) and AB de Villiers (51) ensured that India were always playing catch-up. The duo mixed orthodox cricketing shots with de Villiers’ usual brilliance to put on 77 in great time. Once India managed to fight back and reduce South Africa to 95 for 3, they would have felt they were in with a chance. However, a couple of poor umpiring decisions and the Indian bowlers’ age-old problem of death bowling once again helped the opposition get off the hook. READ: India vs South Africa 2015 1st T20I at Dharamsala: Stats highlights

India are unlikely to make sweeping changes to the line-up, though Akshar Patel’s expensive 22-run over at a crucial juncture might encourage the Indians to opt for one of the more experienced spinners is Amit Mishra or Harbhajan Singh. Given Mishra’s immense success in Sri Lanka, he could be a viable option for the often low and slow Cuttack surface. Another option India could consider is bringing in Stuart Binny for either one of Mohit or Aravind. Ambati Rayudu did not get the chance to do much, getting run out going for a quick single in the slog overs, but he is unlikely to be replaced.

As for South Africa, Marchant de Lange, Chris Morris, and Imran Tahir were all taken apart. The option of Eddie Leie bowling at Cuttack will be tantalising for the visitors; he would be an ideal replacement for de Lange or Morris. READ: India vs South Africa 2015, 1st T20I highlights

Neither team had a flawless first match, but they will have to iron out their flaws very quickly. South Africa are leading the series right now, but their victory was far from convincing. Given the low and slow nature of Cuttack, India will still go in as favourites despite losing the opening encounter. The second T20I promises to be an engaging affair between two sides that have a lot to look forward to in ICC World T20 2016.

Squads:

India: MS Dhoni (c&wk), Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Akshar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra and Sreenath Aravind.

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marchant de Lange, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Eddie Leie, David Miller, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Albie Morkel and Khaya Zondo.

Time: 19:00 IST | 13:30 GMT

 (Shiamak Unwalla, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a self-confessed Sci-Fi geek who loves cricket more than cricketers. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)

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