With the T20I series in India now done and dusted, the Proteas’ World Cup build-up is entering its final stretch. Between now and their opening game against Canada on 9 February, there’s very little left on the runway – just the SA20 and a handful of fixtures against the West Indies.
Friday’s clash in Ahmedabad brings down the curtain on a five match T20I series that has ebbed and flowed. India currently lead 2-1 after the fourth game in Lucknow was abandoned on Wednesday due to thick fog.
Sunday marks game three of this five match series with the teams level at 1-1 after the Proteas produced a strong 51 run win in Chandigarh. India collapsed dramatically in the second T20I losing their last five wickets for only five runs.
The second match of this five game T20I series arrives fast and forms a crucial part of both teams World Cup build up.
South Africa were blown away in the opener losing by 101 runs after being dismissed for their lowest ever total of 74. India are the top ranked T20I side in the world while the Proteas sit in fifth.
Cuttack hosts the first of five T20 Internationals between India and South Africa and the tour reaches its final stretch after a tight ODI series and a one sided Test battle.
The series is currently tied at 1-1 with Saturday’s encounter the decider. Whoever wins will take the series. India have gone 20 consecutive games without winning the toss.
South Africa sealed a historic moment on Wednesday when they wrapped up a 408 run victory over India to win the Test series 2-0.
This is the second Test of a two Test series. South Africa lead 1-0 which means India must win to avoid a series defeat. The Proteas need a win or a draw to secure the series.
The last five matches between these sides have been evenly shared with two wins each and one draw. England won the two most recent games.
South Africa’s tour of India started in the best possible way on the weekend with a famous win at Eden Gardens. South Africa won the toss but the struggle began right after that. They battled for runs and were dismissed for 159 and 153 in their two innings.