- India worried over Abhishek
- South Africa have clear route to victory
- Jansen the spearhead
- Ahmedabad surface: black or red?
- For Betfair's latest cricket betting odds click here
India v South Africa
Sunday 22 February, 13.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports
India v South Africa T20WC team news
India have problems despite a 100% record from the first group phase. There is a major concern about the form (and possibly fitness) of Abhishek Sharma who has recorded an extraordinary three ducks in a row. He is either unlucky or something some sort of mental or physical crisis.
It would be a big call at this stage of the tournament but Sanju Samson could be asked to step in. Samson lost his place to Ishan Kishan for the start of the tournament but India surely won't allow Abhishek's misery to continue for that much longer.
If India think this is a pitch that will take spin, Kuldeep Yadav could join Varun Chakravarthy in the XI with Arshdeep Singh making way.
Possible India XI: Abhishek, Ishan, Tilak, Sky, Hardik, Dube, Rinku, Axar, Arhsdeep/Kuldeep, Bumrah, Varun
South Africa's selection is also likely to focus on whether the Ahmedabad pitch takes turn. George Linde would be in the discussion for a role although leaving out one of the three pacers (Bosch, Ngidi or Rabada) would seem unlikely. Besides, Linde and Keshav Mahraj don't turn the ball the most dangerous way for India's left-handers.
Instead, South Africa may ask Aiden Markram to bowl. Markram could well open the bowling with Marco Jansen, who will be let loose on India's top three, all of whom are southpaws. Jansen is extremely dangerous against lefties. .
Possible SAXI: Markram, De Kock, Rickleton, Brevis, Stubbs, Miller, Jansen, Bosch, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi
India v South Africa T20WC pitch report
This is another contest where we will have to wait for news about the pitch. Black soil or red soil is the question. If it is black soil, then a slower Ahmedabad wicket is expected. If it's red, it should be full of runs. For India's match against Netherlands, they played on black soil and the home batters struggled for fluency, hammering punters on the overs lines.
India may want a wicket that turns as they may not fancy a straight shootout with South Africa's powerful batting line-up. If the pitch is black we're unders on runs. If it's red, we're overs. The highest match total runs is with India at 191.5.
India v South Africa T20WC match prediction
India are 1.4840/85 for victory with South Africa 3.02/1. On historic form the odds make sense. Not so when tournament form is considered, though.
Despite all the resources and depth of talent, India have failed to convince. They were poor against the USA, suffered a bizarre meltdown with the bat against Namibia and the top order found the Dutch bowlers irritating. The one area where they have got it right is with the ball, most notably against Pakistan. It is a brilliant unit with all bases covered.
South Africa have been thrusting and they look a confident side. They will expect to give a better account of themselves than they did in the 4-1 reverse in the most recent head-to-head.
To do so, Jansen has to bowl well. He is far more potent against left-handers than right and it is a major weakness that he can exploit with six in the top eight. The Saffers are worth a gamble with that line of attack a clear route to victory.
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India v South Africa T20WC player tips
India have a weakness against off-spin and only Oman have a lower run rate against the style this tournament. That's because of their lefties. The offie turns the ball away, which makes it much harder. Batter like a ball spinning into their pads, under their eyeline. So how about a cheeky interest in Markram for top South Africa bowler at 17/29.50? He is the only off-spinner South Africa are likely to deploy and he has managed wins in this market before.
Back Aiden Markram top SA bowler