South Africa v Australia 2nd T20I Preview: Opposite intentions make the Bullring contest a tantalizing prospect

South Africa and Australia will start the 2nd T20I at The Bidvest Wanderers Stadium with different aims. While the visitors will be keen to level the series after an inconsistent show in the first match, the visitors will be eyeing a series win with one game to spare. The ever buzzing Bullring has a history of producing high-scoring thrillers hence a fascinating contest between these two high-quality teams is well and truly on the cards.

South Africa:

David Miller struck his first international fifty since February last year and his career-best T20I score to guide South Africa to the highest successful chase at Kingsmead in the first encounter. Miller’s return to form, ahead of the World T20, is a positive sign for the home side. Imran Tahir was brilliant in Durban and will look to continue doing what he does best- pick wickets in T20Is.

After winning three of their last four limited-overs series, Faf du Plessis’ team seems to have ticked all the boxes thus far. The team will want to make it 5 in Johannesburg and continue its golden run in the shorter formats. The likes of Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn, who missed out on the previous match, will be eager to get a game and prove their mettle. Kyle Abbott may well make way for Steyn. With Amla likely to return, AB de Villiers looks set to return to his middle order spot. Left-hander Rilee Rossouw is likely to sit out of the playing eleven.

Australia:

Australia had its moments in the first match, however, failed to capitalize on them. Australia needs to create certainties for themselves after falling behind in the T20 format. They have only played 9 matches in this format since the last World T20 and are coming off a whitewash at the hands of India but they have strengthened their squad since that defeat. They are in South Africa to show how much stronger they can be and Wanderers will have a full house as a witness.

Shane Watson missed out at Durban and is likely to return in a must-win game for his side. With Aaron Finch scored 40 off 18 balls and has secured his place in the playing eleven. Usman Khawaja may sit out along with Andrew Tye who has a forgettable outing. Josh Hazlewood looks likely to spearhead the attack while Watson’s is an experience with the ball in this format and will also strengthen the team.

Form Guide:

(Last five completed games most recent first)

South Africa WWWWW

Australia LLLLL

Probable XI-

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (C), AB de Villiers, David Miller, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, David Wiese, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir

Australia: Shane Watson, Shane Watson, Steven Smith (C), David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

Stats Attack: 

1. Faf du Plessis needs 18 more runs to complete 1000 T20I runs.

2. Shane Watson is the leading wicket-taker and the 2^nd highest run scorer for the Aussies in the shortest format. He has 42 wickets and his willow has yielded 1315 runs. David Warner leads the way with 1485 runs.