After winning a 3-match series against defending champions Australia, India will square off against 'undefeated' South Africa in the 1st T20I on September 28th (Wednesday). 

IND vs SA: Match Preview:

The Indian team registered a comeback in the recently concluded 3-match T20I series against Australia. After losing the first match, India bounced back to win the 2nd and 3rd T20I to win the series 2-1. All the batters have shown good intent, where Suryakumar Yadav emerged as the top scorer with 115 runs in 3 matches. Hardik Pandya was the second highest scorer with 105 runs but has been rested for this series with the upcoming T20 World Cup in sight. 

Amongst the bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a disappointing aspect with only 1 wicket in 2 matches while conceding 91 runs in 7 overs bowled. Bhuvi however has been rested for this series with young promising pacer Arshdeep Singh making his way to the squad. Mohammad Shami has been ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa due to another positive covid result. Umesh Yadav will continue in the team in place of Shami.

The South African team has looked very superior in their performance and hasn't lost a T20I series against India since 2018. Amongst the batters, Reeza Hendricks has been in superb form this year, smacking 223 runs in 7 innings, averaging 46.14 while striking at 139.82. Heinrich Klaasen has also shown form with 202 runs in 7 innings. 

Pacer Lungi Ngidi and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi have remained the top-wicket takers for South Africa this year with 13 and 12 wickets to their name in 7 and 9 matches respectively. Along with Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, the South African team looks formidable enough to win the series. It is noteworthy that South Africa toured India for 5-T20Is earlier this year which ended in a 2-2 draw.