Johannesburg: India is poised to secure a series victory over South Africa as they head into the fourth T20 match at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday, with the series currently standing 2-1 in India’s favour.
The Indian team remains confident, bolstered by strong individual performances throughout the series. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma have stepped up when needed, with the former’s remarkable century in the first T20I providing a solid foundation for the team, despite recent challenges. Samson, who has faced a lean patch with two consecutive ducks in the subsequent matches, is expected to retain his place due to his earlier contributions.
India’s key players, including Arshdeep Singh, have been impressive in the series. Singh, in particular, showcased his mettle with a decisive over in the third T20I at Centurion, where he held his nerve under pressure while Marco Jansen threatened to turn the match in South Africa’s favour. This performance has made it unlikely that either Yash Dayal or Vysakh Vijaykumar will get a chance in tomorrow’s match, as the bowling lineup seems to be in good form.
Ramandeep Singh, who made a solid debut with the bat, is also expected to be retained in the squad. His contribution against South Africa has made him a valuable asset, and the team management will likely stick with the same squad.
South Africa, who came close to securing a win in the third T20I, will be eager to level the series with a victory. The South African squad could opt for the same lineup that fought hard in the previous encounter, with players like Marco Jansen and David Miller key to their hopes of a comeback.
The stakes are high as India eyes a 3-1 series win at a venue where they were crowned world champions in the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. Fans will be hoping for another memorable performance as India looks to clinch the series in Johannesburg.
Squads:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs.
