India stuck to their winning combination, continuing to leave out vice-captain Axar Patel for the Super 8 clash against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, February 22.
IND vs SA, Super 8: UPDATES | SCORECARD
South Africa captain Aiden Markram, meanwhile, won the toss and chose to bat first in Ahmedabad. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that there would be no changes to the XI, despite questions over Axar’s absence from the playing side.
“We were also looking to bat first, good occasion for everyone to come up and show what we have got. We have good energy on the field and we will take the result whatever comes our way. Happy to bowl first. Very harsh on Axar Patel, we are going with the same team. So no changes,” Suryakumar said, admitting the difficulty of the decision.
Axar, who featured in India’s first three group games against the USA, Namibia and Pakistan, was rested for the Namibia clash in Ahmedabad, with Washington Sundar coming in to play his first match of the T20 World Cup.
The Proteas made four changes to their side, bringing back Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and David Miller. The inclusions strengthened both their bowling attack and middle-order experience as they geared up for a crucial Super 8 contest.
WHAT MIGHT HAVE WORKED IN FAVOUR OF SUNDAR
Although Axar’s omission may seem harsh at first glance, the move is understood to be a tactical one. India appear keen to counter South Africa’s left-handed core with Washington Sundar’s off-spin. With Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton and David Miller forming a significant part of the Proteas’ top and middle order, the off-spinner offers a favorable matchup. .
India and South Africa played a five-match T20I series as recently as December last year, with the finale taking place in Ahmedabad. India posted a mammoth 231 for 20 overs in that game, and although South Africa mounted a strong chase, they eventually fell short at 201. Washington Sundar bowled four tight overs in the contest, conceding just 30 runs without picking up a wicket but maintaining crucial control through the middle phase.
Former India pacer Varun Aaron had said he would be tempted to include Washington Sundar again against South Africa.
“Against South Africa, I might be tempted to play Washington Sundar. They have four really good left-handers if you include Marco Jansen. Jansen, especially, along with Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock, is in great form, and then you have David Miller. An off-spinner gives you that extra advantage. Knowing Ahmedabad, they might play on a slower black-soil wicket, which could bring the spinners into the game,” Aaron said on Star Sports.
INDIA vs SOUTH AFRICA: PLAYING XI
India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
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