India enter the final week of their T20I series against South Africa under rare pressure, with the Proteas pushing hosts into corners across formats. After stunning India in the Tests, taking the ODI series to a decider, and putting them under pressure in T20Is, South Africa are having a tour to remember.
The spotlight will be on Jasprit Bumrah and Donovan Ferreira. Ferreira’s assault in New Chandigarh, where he smacked four sixes off Bumrah, proved decisive, highlighting the battle between India’s death-bowling ace and South Africa’s lower-middle-order power hitter.
Team combinations are expected to remain largely unchanged unless conditions demand adjustments. India may look for extra batting depth or spin options, while South Africa could recall Anrich Nortje for Lutho Sipamla and decide between Keshav Maharaj or George Linde for the spin slot.
At Dharamsala, chasing sides have thrived in night matches, with four of five results going to the team batting second. Cold single-digit temperatures might assist fast bowlers, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Stats to watch: Varun Chakravarthy is just one wicket shy of 50 T20I scalps, ranking among elite spinners like Kuldeep Yadav and Rashid Khan in average. Lungi Ngidi is closing in on South Africa’s top T20I wicket-takers, making his performance crucial in the chase.
The stage is set for a potentially spicy finale, with South Africa looking to extend their remarkable run and India aiming to reclaim control in a high-stakes clash.
