On November 15, 2024, at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium, India delivered a commanding performance against South Africa in the fourth and final T20 International, clinching the series 3-1 with a resounding 135-run victory.
Opting to bat first, India amassed a formidable total of 283 for 1, propelled by unbeaten centuries from Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma. Samson scored 109 not out off 56 balls, while Varma contributed a rapid 120 not out off 47 balls. Their partnership of 210 runs for the second wicket set a new record in T20I cricket.
South Africa's response faltered early, with the team reduced to 10 for four within the first three overs. Arshdeep Singh spearheaded India's bowling attack, claiming three wickets for 20 runs. Despite a valiant 43 from Tristan Stubbs, the hosts were bowled out for 148 in 18.2 overs.
This victory marked India's fifth bilateral T20I series win in 2024ml. Captain Suryakumar Yadav lauded the team's performance, highlighting the exceptional contributions of Samson and Varma. He noted, "It is difficult for me to choose the best between the knocks; both were brilliant."
South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged his team's shortcomings: "We were completely outplayed in all three aspects of the game." He emphasized the need for "honest reflections" to improve future performances.
The series provided a platform for players to show their skills before the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction later in the month. Markram remarked on the significance of performing well against India, noting that it could enhance players' prospects of securing IPL contracts.
India's tour of South Africa, comprising four T20Is, concluded with this match. The series served as a preparatory ground for both teams, with South Africa looking ahead to a two-Test series against Sri Lanka later in November.
AUS vs IND 1st Test Match Prediction, 22.11.2024
Match Preview
The much-anticipated first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between Australia and India will begin in Perth on November 22, 2024.
India, led by Rohit Sharma, will aim to prove their mettle in overseas conditions after their humiliating 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home earlier this month. On the other hand, Australia, under Pat Cummins, will look to reassert their supremacy at home after losing their last two series to India in their home conditions.
India's recent overseas success has been built on a potent bowling attack and a resilient batting lineup. However, their challenge will be to adapt to the pace and bounce of Australian pitches. Australia's focus will be on countering India's spin threat, which has troubled them in past series.
Team News
Australia:
Australia will field a near-full-strength squad, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith spearheading the batting. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood form a fearsome pace trio in the bowling department. There is some concern over Travis Head's fitness, but he is expected to feature in the playing XI.
India:
India has a settled squad, with the experienced duo of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma leading the batting charge. Rohit won't be available for this match, though, as he has decided to stay with his wife for a while after the birth of their new son. KL Rahul is expected to open the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Shubman Gill is also out of this match due to an injury. Dhruv Jurel is expected to come into the lineup to replace him. Jasprit Bumrah will lead in Rohit Sharma's absence. India will rely on Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling department to exploit the conditions, while R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja add depth with their spin.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Perth Stadium traditionally offers a balanced pitch, which assists both batters and bowlers. The first two days usually favour pacers, but the pitch can develop cracks as the game progresses, aiding spinners.
The weather forecast for the match is favourable, with temperatures ranging between 14°C and 26°C. No significant rain is predicted, ensuring a full match without interruptions.
Probable Playing XIs
Australia:
- Nathan McSweeney
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (WK)
- Pat Cummins (C)
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood
- Nathan Lyon
India:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Dhruv Jurel
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah (C)
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Players
Australia:
Marnus Labuschagne
In recent years, Marnus has been Australia's most consistent batter, averaging 49.56 in Tests. His ability to anchor the innings and dominate spin makes him a key player in this match.
Pat Cummins
The Australian skipper has taken 269 wickets in 62 matches, averaging 22.53. His disciplined bowling and leadership will be crucial against India's strong batting lineup.
India:
Virat Kohli
With an average of 47.83 in Tests and 29 centuries, Kohli remains India's backbone in overseas conditions. He enjoys playing in Australia, scoring 1,352 runs in 13 Tests, including six centuries.
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah's unorthodox action and ability to bowl yorkers make him a lethal weapon. In 40 Test matches, he has claimed 173 wickets at an average of 20.57. His role with the new ball will be pivotal.
Match Prediction
This encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair. While Australia enjoys the home advantage and boasts a formidable record in Perth, India has proven their mettle in overseas conditions, particularly in Australia, where they won consecutive Test series in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
The key will be the battle between Australia's top order and India's pacers and how well India's batters tackle the Australian quicks. Given the balance of the two sides, Australia may have a slight edge in this opening Test, especially with their experience and familiarity with home conditions. However, India's recent overseas success cannot be discounted, making this an unpredictable and thrilling start to the series.