KOLKATA: Team India will huddle back for international duty as they lock horns with South Africa in a five-match T20 International series from June 9.
The first match of the series will act as a platform for the hosts to chase an all-time 13-0 T20I winning record and become an all-time great team in this format leading to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Here we take a look at 5 key battles to watch out for during the highly anticipated series.
Rishabh Pant vs Anrich Nortje
The upcoming T20I series can be a serious match-up between Rishabh Pant’s aggressive intent and the pace of Anrich Nortje. The Delhi Capitals captain, who finished the season with 340 runs at an average of 30.91 and a strike rate of 151.79, will certainly want to up the ante.
KL Rahul vs Kagiso Rabada
Both KL Rahul and Kagiso Rabada have had a great IPL 2022. KL Rahul, while leading debutants Lucknow Super Giants, wrapped up his amazing season with 616 runs at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 135.38. Pace machine Rabada, meanwhile, spoiled many parties with 23 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 8.46.
Quinton de Kock vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batsman couldn’t have asked for a better IPL 2022 season. Providing much-needed stability to the Lucknow Super Giants top order, QDK registered 508 runs at an average of 36.29 and a strike rate of 148.97. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, meanwhile, may end up wanting a little more from the IPL, snapping 12 wickets in 14 matches with the economy of 7.34, but the pacer would like to leave his past behind and will try to level up his performance and beset Quinton de Kock with the variations in his bowling.
Temba Bavuma vs Yuzvendra Chahal
South African skipper in limited overs cricket Temba Bavuma will be leading the team and while the hosts will pose a stiff challenge, he'll have to face the challenge of spin wizard, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
David Miller vs Harshal Patel
David Miller was one of the stars of the title-winning Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2022. Miller wrapped up the IPL 2022 season with 481 runs at an average of 68.71 and a strike rate of 142.73. While batting in the middle order, he will be up against pace bowler Harshal Patel, who bagged 19 wickets with the economy of 7.66.
