India vs South Africa: T20I Records and Stats at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

A superb bowling effort from Gerald Coetzee (3/32) and Tabraiz Shamsi (1/18) backed by Reeza Hendricks' blistering 49 off 27 and Aiden Markram's quickfire 30 off 17 helped South Africa chase down a challenging target of 180 with five wickets and seven balls to spare in the rain-affected second T20I in Gqeberha. The action now shifts to the iconic New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for the series-decider on Thursday, December 14.

The second T20I was a thrilling encounter cut short by rain. Batting first, India posted 180/7 in 19.3 overs. While openers Yashavi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill fell early, skipper Suryakumar Yadav 56 off 36 and Rinku Singh's maiden T20I half-century (68 off 39) starred with his exhilarating innings. Every South African bowler except Andile Phehlukwayo took a wicket, with Coetzee (3/32) and Shamsi (1/18) shining. 

Chasing under pressure, South Africa started cautiously. Matthew Breetzke's brief cameo (16 off 7) was followed by Hendricks' fiery 49 off 27, but Kuldeep Yadav's strike kept India in the game. Markram's quickfire 30 off 17 balls provided the momentum, and Tristan Stubbs and Phehlukwayo's unbeaten knocks (14 & 10) secured a thrilling victory for South Africa with seven balls remaining.

South Africa have enjoyed success in Johannesburg, winning 14 out of 24 T20Is, a winning percentage of 58.33%. The third T20I will be the fourth time these two cricketing giants clash at this iconic venue. In their previous encounter, India emerged victorious by 28 runs in 2018.

India will aim to win the match and save a 1-1 series draw after the first match was abandoned and the second saw South Africa triumph by five wickets. The Proteas, meanwhile, will seek to clinch victory and secure a 2-0 series lead on home soil.

IND vs SA Head-to-Head Record:

India and South Africa have locked horns in 28 T20I matches, weaving a tale of thrilling clashes and nail-biting finishes. The scoreboard currently stands at 13 wins for India, 11 for South Africa, with one match ending in a tie and three abandoned due to weather. In the Proteas' den, the Men in Blue have emerged victorious in five out of nine encounters, while the hosts have secured three wins and one match was abandoned. 

T20I records and stats at Wanderers Stadium

In 32 matches played at the venue, pace bowlers have claimed 254 wickets at an average of 28.53, while spinners have accounted for 113 wickets at an average of 24.68 in 32 matches. Batting first has resulted in 15 victories, while batting second has yielded 17 wins.

X-factors for India vs South Africa     

India:

Suryakumar Yadav  has been in good form with the bat in 2023, having scored 633 runs at an average of 45.21, with five half-centuries and one century in T20Is. He has aggregated 243 at an average of 60.75 against South Africa, with four half-centuries in the format.  

South Africa:

Reeza Hendricks has been on fire in 2023, piling up 322 runs with an average of 46.00. His three half-centuries are a testament to his consistency, and his recent 49 off 27 with eight fours and a six showcases his explosive power. If he finds his rhythm early, he could single-handedly swing the momentum in South Africa's favor.

India vs South Africa Predicted Playing XI:

South Africa:

Matthew Breetzke, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Andile Phehlukwayo,Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger/Ottniel Baartman, Lizaad Williams, Tabraiz Shamsi 

India:

Ishan Kishan/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar 

Also check: IND vs SA 2023 Batting and Bowling Stats