South Africa vs India, 1st Test – Cricket Match Prediction, Fantasy XI Tips, Weather Report & Probable XI
India and South Africa will begin the three-match test series on 26th December at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
SA v IND: Match Details
- Date – Sunday, December 26, 2021
- Time – 1:30 PM IST
- Venue – SuperSport Park, Centurion
SA v IND Match Preview:
South Africa batting will highly bank on Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, and Aiden Markram to score runs. Rassie Van der Dussen will be the player to watch out for.
Kagiso Rabada will be leading the bowling department. Lungi Ngidi will be the second pacer. Duaan Olivier is an exciting prospect and could get to start in the first test. Keshav Maharaj will be the sole spinner.
India have a lot to ponder in the batting department. KL Rahul is a starter with Mayank Agarwal accompanying him. Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli too are sure starters. Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Hanuma Vihari will fight for the number five position. Rahane could get a nod ahead of the two in the first test.
R Ashwin is likely to be the sole spinner. Shardul Thakur is likely to make it into the playing XI. Mohammad Siraj and Ishant Sharma will fight for the third pacers' spot.
SA v IND Cricket Match Prediction:
Although South Africa are hosting the tests but India will start as favorites to win the first test.
SA v IND Head-to-Head:
- Total – 39
- South Africa – 15
- India – 14
- Draw - 10
SA v IND: Centurion Weather Report
Scattered thunderstorms are predicted in the first three days of the first test match. Play is likely to get interrupted with frequent rains if Centurion's weather report stands true.
SA v IND Probable Playing XI:
- South Africa - Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Quinton de Kock (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Duaan Olivier, Lungi Ngidi
- India - KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj/Ishant Sharma
Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 - England vs Australia Schedule and Squads
SA v IND Fantasy XI:
- Wicket-keepers - Rishabh Pant
- Batters - Virat Kohli, Lokesh Rahul, Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar
- All-rounders - Ravichandran Ashwin
- Bowlers - Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Shardul Thakur