Match Details
- Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
- Date: 26th February 2020
- Time: 9:30 PM IST
- League: Australia tour of South Africa
South Africa Preview
After receiving a drubbing in the 1st T20i, the hosts bounced back in the 2nd match of the series. South Africa lost by 107 runs chasing 197 in the 1st T20i while successfully defending 158 runs in the 2nd T20i. Skipper Quinton de Kock found his rhythm again with a 47-balls 70 runs inning. Whereas, Rassie van der Dussen played a similar role as he did in the last T20i series at home.
Proteas made a few changes in the batting order sending Rassie van der Dussen back to number 4 while bringing in Reeza Hendricks to open the innings. However, Hendricks was out for just 14 off 17 balls followed by Far du Plessis scoring 15 off 14 balls at number 3. Given how well Australians batted in the 1st T20i, 158-runs might have seemed a low total.
However, it wasn’t just the skipper and Dussen making a comeback for the hosts. Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada also bounced back. Anrich Nortje replaced Steyn and picked a wicket for 24 runs while Tabraiz Shamsi improved a lot on his economy. South Africa bowling attack looks in a better shape after the recent win. While the batting still revolves around a couple of players, with Faf du Plessis and David Miller in the side, the hosts have the potential to dominate with the bat as well.
Australia Preview
David Warner’s unbeaten 67-runs inning couldn’t help the visitors seal a win in the 2nd T20i at Port Elizabeth. Aaron Finch and Steve Smith who were the top scorers for Australia in the 1st T20i failed to continue their form. Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, and Ashton Agar were each dismissed for a single digit score.
While Alex Carey replaced Matthew Wade at number 4 after his 27-runs inning at number 6 at Johannesburg, he contributed 14 runs in the chase. Australia were 124-2 in the 16th over and needed 35 more runs to win from 27 balls. It seemed an easy task for the mighty Australian side with 8 wickets in hand.
However, the visitors lost Alex Carey in that over, followed by the dismissals of Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade, and Ashton Agar in the subsequent overs. While it was a disappointing performance from the Aussies, it doesn’t seem like a setback they can’t bounce back from. Aaron Finch and David Warner are crucial as the opening pair and have the potential to change things for Australia.
Match Prediction
Australia to win the match
Australia has a stronger batting line-up with Steve Smith and Alex Carey at numbers 3 and 4. In addition, the opening duo of Warner and Finch can be dangerous too. If the top 4 in the Aussie batting order gets going, they would turn the scales in Australia’s favor.
The bowling attack has been inconsistent for both sides, though South African bowlers bounced back well in the last T20i. The 3rd and final T20i promises to be one exciting game of competitive cricket.
Fantasy Team Tips
- A lot depends on Quinton de Kock as South Africa brace for the final T20i in the 3-match series. The Proteas skipper has consistently delivered for his side and has been one of the few in-form batsmen for the home team recently.
- While Alex Carey hasn’t played a big inning so far, he has the potential to play a quick inning at number 4 for Australia. In addition, Steve Smith and David Warner will be the ones to watch out for in the top 3.
- Faf du Plessis will be keen on making his mark in the decider T20i while Rassie van der Dussen has the responsibility to continue his form and aid his captain in the batting department.
- While Ashton Agar failed to repeat his all-round performance in the last match, he continues to be the popular choice for the all-rounder. 70% of fantasy teams have selected Agar as the all-rounder while 42% have chosen Dwaine Pretorius.
- Lungi Ngidi will be the leading contender to pick most wickets for South Africa while there are quite many choices for Australia. Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins are among the most sought after bowlers among the fantasy teams.
- Kane Richardson is the only other Australian bowler who’s selected by more than 50% of fantasy teams.
Fantasy Team Prediction
- Wicket-Keepers – Quinton de Kock, Alex Carey
- Batsmen – Steve Smith, David Warner, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen
- All-rounders – Ashton Agar, Dwaine Pretorius
- Bowlers – Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Lungi Ngidi
- Captain – Quinton de Kock
- Vice-Captain – David Warner