India v South Africa, 3rd T20I: Match preview

Find out all you need to know about the clash between the sides in Bengaluru

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What is it?

Both teams begin their preparations in earnest for next year's World T20 with three 20-over matches in the space of a week. The fixtures come ahead of a three-Test series between the two nations in October.

While India dominated the multi-format tour of the West Indies, South Africa have not played any competitive international cricket since the 50-over World Cup, when they crashed out in the group stage.

The hosts are 1-0 up in the series after a seven-wicket win in the second T20 in Mohali. The Proteas put on 149 for 5 in their 20 overs, a target which India reached with ease with Virat Kohli scoring an unbeaten 72.

The first scheduled T20 between the nations in Dharamsala was rained off without a ball being bowled.

What's the schedule?

FIRST T20: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala (Sunday, September 15) - Match abandoned

SECOND T20: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali (Wednesday, September 18) - India won by seven wickets

THIRD T20: M.Chinnaswarmy Stadium, Bengaluru (Sunday, September 22)

What are India's chances?

After a frustrating start to the series, India will be looking to maintain their winning record since the World Cup by wrapping up the series with South Africa.

The seven-wicket win in Mohali coupled with the abandonment of the opening T20 means India cannot lose the series, but they will be keen to convert their 1-0 lead.

Deepak Chahar laid the foundations for the victory with figures of 2-22 with the ball, which included the wickets of Ryan Hendricks and Temba Bevuma.

There was also success for Navdeep Saini, who claimed the wicket of Quinton de Kock and continued his impressive form from the West Indies series when he made his breakthrough.

In the chase, India were never in danger of reaching the paltry target of 151. Shikhar Dhawan struck 40 before Kohli put the hammer down, hitting three fours and three sixes to ensure India secure victory with an over to spare.

The victory comes after only rain denied them a clean sweep of the Test, ODI and T20 series against West Indies contested last month.

The Windies offered little resistance in the 20-over matches. They were unable to score more 146 in any single innings and twice failed to reach three figures.

Though a number of leading figures were rested, India cruised to a 3-0 series win. While Rohit Sharma and was in among the runs, debutant Saini starred with the ball.

 

What are the odds?

Series leaders India are the outstanding favourites, with bookmakers Dafabet offering odds of 1/3 for them to win the third T20. South Africa meanwhile are 9/4.

Who's in and who's out?

Hardik Pandya is the big name who returns to the T20 squad after being rested for the West Indies tour. He replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the only change from the group.

MS Dhoni, whose international future remains unknown, and Jasprit Bumrah will not be part of the series. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also remain out of the fold.

India squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini

What about South Africa?

With Faf du Plessis choosing to play for Kent in the County Championship in preparation for the Test series, Quinton de Kock will captain The Proteas in the T20s. There are also three new faces in the form of Temba Bavuma, Bjorn Fortuin and Anrich Nortje.

Chris Morris was not considered for selection, with trio Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn and Lungi Ngidi also overlooked as they play for South Africa A ahead of the Test series.

South Africa squad: Quinton de Kock (c), Rassie van der Dussen (vc), Temba Bavuma, Junior Dala, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts

What will the weather be like?

Rain is expected to bookend the day in Benguluru on Sunday, with thunder and lightning forecast in time for the start of play.

How can I follow it?

Star Sports are scheduled to show the series in India, while Supersport will provide coverage from South Africa. No UK broadcaster is confirmed to broadcast matches during the series.

This preview is brought to you in association with Dafabet India. For more on Dafabet and to place a bet, click here

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