Overview:
Both sides will depend on recent form and adaptability to conditions that reward bowlers early and batters later. This match sets the tone for how competitive the rest of the series will be.
India arrive for the 2nd T20I with a clear advantage after crushing South Africa by 101 runs in the series opener. The match at Cuttack was one-sided from the moment Hardik Pandya walked in to bat and smashed an unbeaten 59 from 28 balls. India reached 175 for 6, which proved far too much for a shaky South African lineup. Arshdeep Singh struck early, the spinners controlled the middle overs, and Jasprit Bumrah sealed the result with the 100th wicket of his T20I career. South Africa were bundled out for a miserable 74 in 12.3 overs.
Now the series shifts to New Chandigarh, where both teams will aim for a reset. India can clinch the series with a win, while South Africa must respond strongly to keep the contest alive. The ground has hosted only IPL and domestic matches, so there is no international history to rely on. Both sides will depend on recent form and adaptability to conditions that reward bowlers early and batters later. This match sets the tone for how competitive the rest of the series will be.
What is the Context of the IND v SA match?
India hold a 1 0 lead after a dominant performance where every department clicked. The bowling unit produced constant breakthroughs, the captaincy was sharp, and the finish from Hardik Pandya gave India the push they needed. South Africa on the other hand looked rattled and never showed the patience needed on a pitch with variable bounce. Their senior players failed to contribute and their attack lacked consistency at key moments.
South Africa now face a must-win situation. A defeat here virtually seals the series in India’s favour. They need their batting to stand up and their bowlers to find early wickets if they want to challenge a well-balanced and confident Indian lineup. India will aim to continue their momentum, especially at a venue where their batters can trust the surface once they settle. This match is a test of South Africa’s resilience and India’s ability to finish the job early.
India’s Probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs South Africa
Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek did not have a great outing in the first match but returns to familiar territory in New Chandigarh. His domestic record at this venue is strong. Abhishek has scored 1029 runs across 30 matches and already has 6 fifties and 2 centuries. His ability to dominate in the powerplay makes him a crucial top order batter. India will expect him to convert home comfort into a major score.
Shubman Gill: Gill loves batting at this venue and will hunger for runs after failing for 4 in the first T20I. He looked rusty coming back from injury, but he remains one of the most polished T20 batters in India. He has scored 841 runs from 34 T20Is, including 3 fifties and a superb hundred at a strike rate near 140. If Gill gets going, India will control the innings from ball one.
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): Suryakumar has blown hot and cold in recent games. He is due for a big innings and will be desperate to make amends after failing in Cuttack. With 2766 runs from 96 matches, including 4 hundreds and 21 fifties, he has the numbers of a world-class T20 batter. The team needs their captain to bring stability in the middle overs and lift the scoring rate when required.
Tilak Varma: Tilak looked composed in the first match and helped stop the fall of wickets. India will expect him to convert his start into a big score this time. He has scored 1022 runs in 37 matches with 4 fifties and 2 hundreds. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries consistently makes him a key part of India’s engine room.
Hardik Pandya: The Player of the Match from the series opener enters the 2nd T20I in tremendous rhythm. His 50 and one wicket in the first game highlighted his all-round influence. Hardik has scored 1929 runs in 121 T20Is with 5 fifties at a strike rate of 141. His bowling remains his biggest asset as he has taken 99 wickets with short attacking spells that often break partnerships.
Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper): Jitesh played a steady hand at the end and took three catches behind the stumps. He has 135 runs from 13 T20Is at a strike rate close to 150. His clean hitting and quick reactions make him a strong finisher for India.
Shivam Dube: Dube contributed both with the bat and ball. He has played 47 T20Is scoring 618 runs with 4 fifties and taking 22 wickets. His extra bounce makes him useful on this pitch and his power hitting adds balance to the middle order.
Axar Patel: Axar delivered with both disciplines in Cuttack. He took 2 wickets in his 2 overs and added 23 crucial runs. Across 84 T20Is he has scored 660 runs and taken 81 wickets. His accuracy and calmness under pressure make him irreplaceable in this format.
Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep once again dismantled the top order with two early wickets. He is now up to 107 wickets in 69 matches which shows his consistency. His left arm swing is difficult to negotiate especially under lights.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah reached his 100th T20I wicket in the first match and continues to trouble batters with his precision. He has 101 wickets in 81 matches and remains India’s most reliable death bowler. His spell to Brevis was exceptional, and he will look to repeat that performance here.
Varun Chakravarthy: Varun took 2 wickets in the first match and now has 47 wickets in 30 games. His variations are tough to read and the pitch in New Chandigarh will help him grip the ball better as the innings progress.
South Africa’s Probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs India
Aiden Markram (Captain): Markram had a poor outing in the first match and must take responsibility as captain. He has 1481 runs in 63 T20Is with 9 fifties and a strike rate of 146. South Africa need a captain’s innings from him.
Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper): De Kock fell for a duck in Cuttack, and his team felt the impact. He has 2615 runs in 97 T20Is with 16 fifties and a hundred. If he fires, South Africa will instantly look more competitive.
Tristan Stubbs: Stubbs scored 14 from 9 balls before losing momentum. His numbers include 813 runs from 41 matches with 2 fifties. He is an aggressive batter who can take the game away in quick time.
Dewald Brevis: Brevis top-scored with 22 in the first match but was kept quiet. In just 16 matches, he has 422 runs at a strike rate of 180, along with a hundred and a fifty. He remains South Africa’s most dangerous young batter.
David Miller: Miller scored only 1 in the first T20I. He has 2592 runs in 131 T20Is with 2 hundreds and 8 fifties at a strike rate of 140. His experience is vital for South Africas middle order.
Donnovan Ferreira: Ferreira struggled against the spinners and never settled. He has scored 190 runs in 13 matches at a strike rate near 160. If he connects cleanly South Africa can swing the momentum in their favour.
Marco Jansen: Jansen bowled economically but disappointed with the bat. He has 18 wickets and 179 runs in 20 matches. His all-round ability remains critical for balance.
Corbin Bosch: Bosch is expected to return as South Africa must win. He has 17 wickets and 85 runs in 11 T20Is. His variations could be useful on this surface.
Keshav Maharaj: Maharaj was expensive and bowled only 2 overs for 25. With 38 wickets in 40 matches, he is experienced but may sit out for George Linde depending on conditions.
Lungi Ngidi: Ngidi took 3 wickets in the first match and now has 74 wickets in 53 T20Is. He is their strike bowler, and South Africa will rely on him heavily.
Lutho Sipamla: Sipamla took 2 wickets but was costly. He has 8 wickets in 12 matches. His pace can trouble batters if he hits the right lengths.
Top Batters for Dream11
Dewald Brevis stands out as the most explosive pick. His strike rate is unmatched, and he has the range to dominate at this venue. Abhishek Sharma is another strong choice as he knows this ground well and can score quickly in the power play. A third smart pick is Shubman Gill, who has a strong record in New Chandigarh and is due for a big innings after failing in Cuttack. These three batters can provide high-scoring returns through boundary hitting and consistency.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
Marco Jansen and Hardik Pandya are the two safest all-rounder choices. Jansen has the height and bounce to trouble Indian batters and he can add 20 to 30 quick runs at the end. Hardik Pandya is in outstanding form with both bat and ball. His hitting in the death overs and ability to take wickets with short attacking spells make him a reliable pick. Both players influence multiple phases of the match which boosts their value in Dream11.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
Lungi Ngidi and Arshdeep Singh are the standout bowling picks. Ngidi took three wickets in the first match, and his new-ball ability remains crucial for South Africa. He gets seam movement and can attack both edges of the bat. Arshdeep Singh has been consistently taking early wickets for India, and his left arm angle creates problems under lights. Both bowlers can deliver early breakthroughs and death overs points, which makes them valuable fantasy selections.
Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Hardik Pandya and Marco Jansen are the best options. Hardik is in form with bat and ball and influences every stage of the contest. Jansen can strike with both disciplines and is South Africa’s most impactful all rounder.
Pitch Report and Venue Conditions
The pitch at New Chandigarh offers early movement for fast bowlers before settling into a good surface for batting. Once the ball softens, batters can trust the bounce and play through the line. Dew often makes the second innings easier for stroke makers. Spinners get some grip later but must be accurate. With the fast outfield and mid-sized boundaries, a total of 170 plus will be competitive.
Match Prediction: Who Has The Upper hand
The match remains more balanced than the first game suggested. However, India still carry confidence after hammering South Africa in Cuttack. If South Africa bat patiently and control the early overs, they can challenge India, but the hosts remain slight favourites.
FAQs about IND vs SA Playing 11
Who are the key players in the IND vs SA clash
Hardik Pandya, Dewald Brevis, Jasprit Bumrah and Lungi Ngidi are the key players who can shift the match with individual brilliance.