With anticipation building for the rematch of the previous T20 World Cup final, it’s difficult to say who will be favourites for the Super Eights encounter between hosts India and South Africa in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Of course, South Africa lost that fateful day in June 2024 by an agonising seven runs, and revenge may be a key motivation.
However, like South Africa, India remain undefeated at this tournament.
It means the result could be decided by a big performance by key players. Here are five that could turn the clash.
Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada may have been overshadowed by Lungi Ngidi at this World Cup so far, but the leader of the Proteas will have something to prove against India. In fact, after Rabada’s disappointing final over performance against Afghanistan, he rebounded in fine fashion against New Zealand with a miserly four overs, even though he didn’t take a wicket.
Against India, Rabada will want to prove why he’s still SA’s best fast bowler.
Abishek Sharma
Opener Abishek Sharma has had a horror run of three ducks in a row for India, and there could be no better way to prove his doubters wrong than with a top knock against the Proteas.
Suryakumar Yadav
After a match-winning knock of 84 not out against the USA when India were in big trouble at 77/6 against the minnows, Suryakumar Yadav has looked good since, without grabbing any more headlines with scores of 12, 32, and 34.
There’s every chance he’s due for a big one against South Africa.
Aiden Markram
Proteas skipper Aiden Markram is the leading run-scorer for South Africa at the tournament so far. With 178 runs, he finds himself fourth on the scoring charts and he will once more want to lead by example against a strong Indian bowling lineup.
Dewald Brevis
Widely regarded as the next big thing in SA cricket, Dewald Brevis is yet to produce the kind of consistency his talent suggests. Though he already has the highest score by a South African batsman in T20 cricket, the 22-year-old will relish the chance to dominate the Indian attack on their home turf. So far, Brevis has had a good T20 World Cup, without standing out as he has scored 86 runs in four games at an average of 21.5.
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
