India and South Africa have engaged in some intense encounters in the T20 format, similar to those in the five-day format and the limited-overs format. Both teams have produced some power-packed performances whenever they have faced each other. Players from both sides have produced superlative individual performances. Both teams have showcased skill sets depending on their game plan and strategies. In this post, we highlight some of the most thrilling contests and moments from the past that captured the fans’ attention whenever these two sides met. Both teams have possessed different skill sets depending on their strengths, temperament, ability to approach a particular situation, and the playing conditions and wickets. The competitiveness between the teams has been intriguing.
We discuss some of the most thrilling moments and contests that were witnessed in the past and the ones that could be witnessed in the upcoming T20I series between both teams in detail:
1. September 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa, Durban
India won the toss and chose to bat first. Team India scored 153/5 in 20 overs as Rohit Sharma scored his first T20I half-century on debut. Indian bowlers bowled well as left-arm pacer RP Singh registered figures of 4/13. South Africa could score 116/9 in 20 overs as they failed to qualify for the semi-finals, while Team India made it to the semi-finals.
2. May 2010 T20 World Cup in the West Indies, St Lucia
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first. India scored 186/5 in 20 overs, backed by a sensational century from Suresh Raina. India won by 14 runs as South Africa scored 172/5 in 20 overs. Yusuf Pathan registered figures of 4/42 with the ball.
3. April 2014, T20 World Cup in Bangladesh
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first in the second semi-final. South Africa scored 172/4 in 20 overs, with Faf Du Plessis and JP Duminy both scoring 58 and 45, respectively. Ravichandran Ashwin bowled well, registering figures of 3/22. India chased the total with 6 wickets in hand as Virat Kohli scored a magnificent unbeaten 72.
4. October 2015 1st T20I at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first. India scored 199/5 in 20 overs as Rohit Sharma scored a sublime 106 in 66 balls. Proteas chased the total in 19.4 overs by 7 wickets as JP Duminy scored an unbeaten 68 while AB de Villiers scored a brilliant 51.
5. 1st T20I at Johannesburg, February 2018
South Africa chose to field first, but India put up a stupendous batting performance, scoring 203/5 in 20 overs with Shikhar Dhawan scoring a fine 72. India won by 28 runs as pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced an impressive bowling performance, registering figures of 5/24.
6. 1st T20I at Delhi, June 2022
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first. India scored 211/4 in 20 overs as Ishan Kishan scored a wonderful 76. South Africa chased the target by 7 wickets as the Proteas approached the batting fearlessly. Rassie Van Der Dussen and David Miller scored an unbeaten 75 and 64, respectively.
India’s success under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and poaching abilities with the bat batting
The ‘Hit man’, as he is popularly known, has played some fine knocks in his T20I career against the Proteas. His contest against Kagiso Rabada has always been a competitive one. His innings of an unbeaten 106 in Dharamshala in October 2015, in 66 balls, in which he hit 12 fours and 5 sixes, was simply brilliant. He led the team with authority against South Africa in the shorter format. His calmness under pressure situations has provided productive results for the men in blue. He has captained Team India in 6 T20Is against South Africa, winning 4 and losing 2, with a win percentage of 66.67
Other Batters’ contribution against South Africa
‘King Kohli’ played a cracking knock during the 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in the semi-finals against the Proteas, scoring an unbeaten 72 in 44 balls. During the 2024 T20 World Cup Final, the former India captain played a stupendous knock of 76 off 59 balls, helping India win by 7 runs against South Africa in the final at Bridgetown, Barbados.
Suryakumar Yadav’s memorable knocks against South Africa
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, Assam during the second T20I on the 2nd of October 2022. India scored 237/3 in 20 overs as Surya Kumar Yadav scored 61 in 22 balls, smashing 5 fours and 5 sixes. Although Proteas gave a tough fight, Team India won by 16 runs. The 35-year-old smashed the South African bowlers and played some bold, unorthodox shots. The right-hander scored another memorable knock on the 14th of December 2023 at Johannesburg, South Africa, scoring 100 in 56 balls, cracking 7 fours and 8 sixes, helping India win by 106 runs.
Henrich Klaasen’s Impact
The 34-year-old’s knock of 69 in 30 balls at Centurion, South Africa and 81 in 46 balls in Cuttack, Orissa, will be remembered for a long time. The right-hander retired from International cricket this year.
Arshdeep Singh’s swing and accuracy
The left-arm pacer will play a big role in the upcoming T20I series against South Africa as the 26-year-old can swing the ball both ways and can bowl fast, full-length deliveries, restricting the batters from going for the big ones.
Kagiso Rabada’s accuracy in demanding situations
The 31-year-old pacer is known to break partnerships and can bowl clever slower balls in the death overs, combined with his ability to surprise with Yorkers. Rabada’s form would be crucial for South Africa.
Key takeaways
Team India’s depth in the batting lineup offers flexibility. A player like Tilak Varma can also bat at no 7 and change the outcome of the game. South Africa, on the other hand, can be penetrative with their spin and pace options during the power play and death overs. Both teams might experiment with the opening pair, keeping in mind the T20 World Cup and look to adjust to slower wickets.
Players to watch out for
Players like Rinku Singh and Tristan Stubbs could be the game changers with their power hitting in the death overs as well as during power play. Tilak Varma is another player who can be vital for Team India.
What the series means for both teams
It will be a crucial series for both teams before the T20I World Cup, as it will be played in India & Sri Lanka. India is a dominating team and would like to continue with their supremacy for future ICC events by doing well in the series. The Proteas will look to be competitive as they have been in bilateral series, and above all, it will be an ideal preparation for the T20 World Cup. Both teams have engaged in competitive cricketing action before, and this series will be no different.