Previously, Australia caused disappointment in the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship.
However, this time, as they strive for the perfect ending, Australia will not be present to disrupt the celebration. Instead, Aiden Markram’s South African team will await them, determined to play the role of spoiler and ensure India departs empty-handed despite their impressive performance.
The two teams have experienced contrasting journeys throughout the tournament. Rohit Sharma’s squad has overwhelmed every opponent they have encountered, including formidable teams such as Australia, Pakistan, and England.
Conversely, the Proteas have narrowly escaped defeat on several occasions en route to the final. Bangladesh and Nepal challenged them during the group stage. In their concluding Super 8 match against co-hosts West Indies, they nearly sealed their elimination while pursuing a revised target of 123.
They overcame the semi-final hurdle by decisively defeating Afghanistan in the semi-final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago.
One consistent aspect throughout the Caribbean matches has been the supremacy of spinners.
However, the Kensington Oval has provided a surface more favourable to fast bowlers. They have claimed 59 wickets at an average of 20.22 and an economy rate of 7.88.
The threat of rain also looms over the final, but a reserve day is scheduled in case the weather conditions prevent the match from proceeding.
Regardless of the victorious team, the T20 World Cup has never witnessed a champion that has remained undefeated throughout the entire tournament. Therefore, India and South Africa are destined to make history.
IND vs SA match details
The T20 World Cup 2024 has reached its thrilling conclusion, with India (IND) and South Africa (SA) set to face off in the final showdown. The highly anticipated match will take place on June 29 at 8:00 PM IST at the iconic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
IND vs SA head to head stats:
Throughout their T20I history, India and South Africa have engaged in 26 encounters, with India holding a slight edge, having emerged victorious in 14 matches, while South Africa have claimed 11 wins. One match ended without a result.
IND vs SA pitch report:
The Kensington Oval has proven to be one of the most well-balanced venues in the tournament, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. While it may not be an outright batting paradise, batsmen who have adapted to the conditions have managed to post substantial scores.Spinners and fast bowlers who have focused on hitting the deck and employing variations in pace, length, and delivery types have found success. Despite a week-long gap since the last game at this venue, similar conditions are expected for the final.
IND vs SA ground history:
The Kensington Oval has hosted eight matches in the T20 World Cup 2024. Of these, three matches were won by teams batting first, three were won by teams batting second, one match was decided in a super over, and one match had no result. The average first innings total at this venue is 151, while the average second innings total is 134. The highest total recorded at Kensington Oval is 201/7 by Australia against England, and the lowest total recorded is 115/10 by the USA against England.
IND vs SA fantasy insights:
From a fantasy cricket perspective, the pitch report indicates that batting conditions are optimal at the beginning of the innings when the ball is hard and new. Therefore, selecting the top three batters from both teams can be a strategic advantage in fantasy contests. Additionally, fast bowlers who can hit the deck and use variations such as cutters and slower deliveries are likely to perform well, making them valuable picks for fantasy cricket players.
IND vs SA key players:
Rohit Sharma (IND), the Indian skipper, has experienced a mixed start to the tournament but has found his rhythm at the crucial juncture. With 248 runs in 7 matches, he is expected to be a reliable choice for the final.
Jasprit Bumrah (IND), the spearhead of India’s bowling attack, has lived up to expectations, claiming 13 wickets in 7 matches. His economical spells and ability to pick up crucial wickets make him a vital asset for the team.
Quinton de Kock (SA) has regained his form after a slow start to the tournament. Having amassed 204 runs in 8 matches, his ability to capitalize on the new ball and score quickly on this wicket makes him a key player to watch out for in the final.
IND vs SA squads
India Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sanju Samson, Mohammed Siraj, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, and Ryan Rickelton.
IND vs SA Dream11 fantasy team:
Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Rishabh Pant
Batters: Rohit Sharma, David Miller
All-rounders: Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Arshdeep Singh
