Proteas T20I series in India: South Africa faces uphill battle in Lucknow
South Africa faces a challenging fourth T20I against India in Lucknow, with the series on the line with the Proteas also struggling of late in T20 cricket. Seen here: Suryakumar Yadav of India (left) and SA skipper Aiden Markram. Picture: Noah Seelam/AFP
Image: Noah Seelam/AFP
If you’re inclined to place a bet or two on sporting events, it’s probably a good idea not to put any money on the Proteas in the fourth T20 International (T20I) against hosts India on Wednesday.
In three clashes so far in the T20I series, the contests have been completely one-sided.
In the first match, India won by 101 runs as they bowled a hapless Proteas out for 74.
The reply was strong from South Africa as they posed 213 in the second T20I, which led to a 51-run victory.
The third match on Sunday, though, again saw India romping to a seven-wicket victory with more than four overs to spare after SA posted a meagre 117. India therefore lead the five-match series 2-1 and can clinch it with a victory in the fourth encounter.
India and South Africa’s post-World Cup Journey of Contrasting Performances
It’s no coincidence either that India and South Africa were the finalists of the previous World Cup in June 2024. Of course, India were crowned champions as South Africa’s search for a World Cup trophy in limited-overs competitions continues.
While India have arguably become a better team since the final in June last year, South Africa seem to have gone in the other direction.
In the eight T20I series SA have played in since that World Cup final, they have emerged victorious on just one occasion. That includes winning just one of their last five T20Is.
While the Proteas have welcomed back veterans David Miller and Anrich Nortje (who has battled injury the last few seasons) this season, the absence of Heinrich Klaasen will still be felt significantly.
Perhaps the most prolific T20 batsman in world cricket, Heinrich Klaasen, has hung up his Proteas boots, and that’s left a gaping hole in the SA batting lineup.
The heir apparent to Klaasen’s throne is 22-year-old Dewald Brevis. In this series so far, he has scored just 22, 14, and 2.
All the signs seem to point to South Africa struggling once more in Lucknow on Wednesday, and looking at the stats, it will be an anomaly if they do indeed win.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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