The 2nd T20I between India and South Africa is set to take place at the brand new Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. Following a decisive victory in the series opener, India carry a 1-0 lead and strong momentum into this crucial encounter. Their team is balanced and boasts several players in excellent form, spearheaded by their returning all-rounder. South Africa, on the other hand, will be under pressure to execute their plans better, particularly with the bat, and force a series-leveling win to keep the competition alive.
India: Riding the momentum with commanding win in the opening game
India come into this match with confidence, having secured a clinical all-round victory in the series opener. The returns of key players like Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill have instantly bolstered the squad. Pandya’s sensational return to international cricket, highlighted by a match-winning half-century and his contributions with the ball, gives India immense balance at number five. Gill, who returned to the side following injury, will be under the spotlight to find his rhythm in the shortest format.
South Africa: Searching for a response
The Proteas will be desperate to bounce back and level the series. Their T20 squad, led by Aiden Markram, features a mix of established hitters and young talent. The return of pace ace Anrich Nortje after a long injury lay-off is a huge boost, but they need their batting unit to fire collectively. The combination of Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen offers serious heat, but they must execute their plans better in the powerplay and at the death against a powerful Indian batting lineup.
Mullanpur Pitch Report
The surface is expected to be a balanced contest between bat and ball, with a quick outfield favouring stroke play in the powerplay. Spinners are expected to come into play as the match progresses, particularly in the later half of the innings. Overall, the pitch is likely to assist batters more than bowlers.
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium T20I Stats and Records
This match marks the first-ever Men’s International T20 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, the new home ground for Punjab Kings in the IPL. In the 11 IPL matches played here, the team batting first has won 6 times, indicating a slight advantage for setting a target. The average first innings score is around 169.
