SA vs IND 4th T20I: India aims for series win, while South Africa looks to level it in a thrilling decider at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
South Africa and India are now all set for a blazing finale in the 4th and final T20I to be held at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. With India already leading the series by 2-1, both teams are expected to leave no stone unturned in this decider battle. India is itching to complete the series on a flying note with an easy win carrying a T20 World Cup Trophy; South Africa at home still has quite a lot at stake, most likely unleashing all guns blazing to equalise and take it to the decider.
Match Information
November 15, 2024, Friday
8:30 PM IST
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Broadcast: Sports18 Network
Live Stream: JioCinema
Conditions - Pitch and Weather
Wanderers is the pitch that always favors batsmen, as their consistent bounce and true wicket favor a high score. There has been some movement for fast bowlers in the first few overs, while spinners can get some grip into the game. Anything above 200 would definitely pose a challenge to the chasing side while, on average, around 170-180 have been scored in first innings here at Wanderers.
Weather updates for Johannesburg have forecast clear skies and a cool evening with temperatures ranging to 15°C, and the probabilities of rain are minimum, thus having a full, uninterrupted match where the best skills of both the teams can come out.
Team Preview and Probable Playing XI
South Africa (SA)
South Africa will struggle hard to level the series, hoping to overcome the loss of 11 runs from the last game. Skipper Aiden Markram has had loads of resilience, but inconsistency is there in their batting order. Among these, are Reeza Hendricks and David Miller. Heinrich Klaasen is a big middle-order asset. The bowling here lies in the hands of Marco Jansen, who will bring pace and Gerald Coetzee, who will be effective in the middle overs.
South Africa Playing XI:
Ryan Rickleton, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla.
India (IND)
A cracking third match win has seen India go into a 2-1 lead in this T20I series. The depth of Indian batting was shown in the form of Tilak Varma's powerful century and an aggressive knock by Abhishek Sharma. Still a long way to go for captain Surya and Rinku Singh to ascend to that peak, India's bowling seems tight as two crucial breaks were gained through Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, though a lot will depend on maintaining pressure at critical junctures, which Arshdeep Singh seems perfectly well-equipped to do.
India Probable Playing XI:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakravarthy.
Key Players to Watch
Tilak Varma (IND) -Tilak has been the show-stealer for India, with 160 runs in three games, including a brilliant hundred. His potential to change gears at crucial times strengthens India's batting order to no end.
Sanju Samson (IND) - With experience and an approach that is very cool and calm in the middle order, he is of huge value. He's going at 107 runs so far, stabilizing the Indian line-up, besides bringing much stability in general.
Marco Jansen (SA) - The all-round contribution of Jansen has been very vital for South Africa. He's scored 73 runs and has picked three wickets throughout this series for his side.
Tristan Stubbs (SA)-Tristan Stubbs has been pretty destructive with his power hitting. He has already scored 70 runs in this series and can be quite dangerous in the powerplay.
Varun Chakravarthy (IND)-His spin has troubled the South African batters quite a lot and has taken 10 wickets from three games, which makes him a game-changer for India.
Heinrich Klaasen (SA) - Having scored 68 runs, Klaasen has stabilised South Africa's middle order. His shot selection and smart gameplay are valuable assets when playing under pressure.
Series decider: Can India seal the win, or will South Africa level the series?
Both the teams would make a fit and competitive side so that the fans can expect a real electrifying match. India is eyeing to seal this series with a 3-1 victory, riding on the positives from such a narrow victory, but South Africa does not want to let go of it easily and are keen to defend its home turf at all costs and pull things level in the series. At Wanderers, which should offer loose conditions, both the sides would look towards capitalizing on their batting and explore their bowling depth.
Conclusion:
The SA vs IND 4th T20I has all the ingredients of a thrilling series finale at the Wanderers Stadium where both teams strive to prove which is stronger. And for India, it would be the victory of the rising stars; for South Africa, it would bring pride and good lessons for the future. Cricket fans around the world are in for action all the way as each player is ready to give his best.
