India face South Africa in the first of the three-match T20 International series on Thursday, June 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from 7:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time).
The Indian team are on a 12-match unbeaten streak in T20 internationals and are one win from creating history. They will be led by Rishabh Pant who was named captain after KL Rahul was ruled out of the series at the last moment due to a groin injury.
Meanwhile, South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma will be wary of India’s strength at home despite the absence of their key players. The Indian team has won seven consecutive bilateral T20I series at home since the 1-1 series draw against the Proteas in 2019.
India vs South Africa 1st T20I odds
Bet365 odds: India: 1.53, South Africa: 2.50
Parimatch odds: India: 1.50, South Africa: 2.47
10CRIC odds: India: 1.46, South Africa: 2.53
Betway odds: India: 1.45, South Africa: 2.60
1xBet odds: India: 2.75, South Africa: 1.44
Note: Odds are subject to change. Please visit betting sites to check and confirm the latest odds.
India vs South Africa head-to-head in T20Is
India and South Africa have played 15 T20I matches so far with India winning nine while South Africa winning six of them.
The Men in Blue have won three of the last five T20 internationals against the Proteas.
India vs South Africa 1st T20I probable playing XI
India: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (captain and wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
India vs South Africa 1st T20I top picks
India: Shreyas Iyer will be a top pick for this fixture. The Mumbaikar scored three consecutive fifties in the last T20I series against Sri Lanka will be hoping to continue with his stellar run in the upcoming series.
South Africa: Kagiso Rabada was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the last T20I bilateral series between the two teams and picked the most number of wickets (23) by a seamer in the recently concluded IPL. The 27-year-old will be the player to watch out for in this match.
India vs South Africa 1st T20I prediction
The Indian cricket team is on a 12-match unbeaten streak in T20 internationals and are favourites to win this match.
However, South Africa have a potent fast bowling attack led by experienced Kagiso Rabada and number one ranked T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi who can trouble the slightly inexperienced Indian batting lineup.
India vs South Africa 1st T20I playing conditions and weather report
Maximum Temperature: 43°C
Precipitation: 20%
Humidity: 29%
Wind: 21 km/h