South Africa vs India, 2nd Test - Result Predictions

The first Test match was a roller-coaster ride for both India and South Africa as both teams had some mighty scares and some equally jubilant moments. However, the Proteas had the last laugh as they maintained their composure and stole the match away from India. Both teams will be eyeing a victory at the second Test in Johannesburg starting on Saturday.

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: South Africa wins the toss

Toss Prediction: South Africa will choose to bat first

First innings score prediction (SA): 250-280

Second innings score prediction (IND): 190-220

Third innings score prediction (SA): 150-180

Fourth innings score prediction (IND): 210- 250 (without getting bowled out)

Result prediction: India will win the Test match.

Scenario 2: India wins the toss

Toss Prediction: India will choose to bat first

First innings score prediction (IND): 200-250

Second innings score prediction (SA): 240-290

Third innings score prediction (IND): 220-250

Fourth innings score prediction (SA):  140-150

Result prediction: India will win the Test match.

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total number of Tests played – 34, South Africa won – 14, India won – 10, Draw – 10.

Matches in South Africa: Total number of Tests played – 18, South Africa won – 9, India won – 2, Draw – 7.

While the Indian bowlers were absolute show-stealers in the first game, it was the batting that let them down. They’ll be looking to construct and better their batting partnerships and hence, the batting can be expected to get a lot of attention from the team management as well as the Indian skipper. On the other hand, South Africa will be in a good position and will only look to extend their winning streak and bring the series home.

Playing Combinations

South Africa

South Africa can be expected to stick to their winning combination and not tinker around with the line-up too much. The batting can be opened by Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram, followed by Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and the skipper, Faf du Plessis in the middle order. Keeper, Quinton de Kock can lend further support to the batting line-up.

The pace combination of Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada can be expected to deliver the lethal blows as it did in the last game. Morne Morkel can be the third pacer and an injured Dale Steyn can be replaced by the lanky Chris Morris. Keshav Maharaj can fulfil the spin duties.

Predicted XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris, Morne Morkel.

India

India suffered a crushing defeat owing to the unceremonious batting collapses and opener Shikhar Dhawan might just see a replacement in the form of right-hander KL Rahul, accompanied by Murali Vijay. India will be tempted to go in with an extra batsman in the middle-order in the form of Ajinkya Rahane. Cheteshwar Pujara, skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can be expected to shoulder the rest of the batting responsibilities, aided by keeper Wriddhiman Saha and explosive all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, who performed exceptionally in the last game.

The seam trio of Jasprit Bumrah-Mohammed Shami-Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be expected to feature once again, at the cost of the additional spinner in the team, a risk India will be willing to take to strengthen their batting.

Predicted XI: KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The prediction is for India to win the second Test match and level the series.

Do let us know of your predictions in the comments section below.