After a wait a 54 gripping matches, we finally step into the cauldron of the ultimate clash of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Will Team India finally put an end to their frustrating ICC tournament drought? Can South Africa eventually separate themselves from the odious ‘Chokers’ tag? We would definitely find out answers in Barbados, where the two giants faces each other in what will be the biggest cricket match of the year! While the Proteas steamrolled past a resurgent Afghan unit, India avenged their last edition’s semifinal loss, beating the defending champions in process.
India vs South Africa head-to-head
India would take confidence from their superior record against the Proteas in T20 World Cup matches. With 4 wins in 6 games, India have an edge. However, the last time these two units faced in the tournament, South Africa derailed a stuttering Indian team on a bouncy Perth turf. In overall T20Is, the head-to-head record is slightly (just slightly) balanced, with India winning 14 of the 26 T20 internationals, including India’s firs-ever T20I match in 2006. South Africa have beaten the Men in Blue on 11 occasions in the shortest format.
| Matches Won (India) | Matches Won (South Africa) | |
|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 14 | 11 |
| T20 World Cup | 4 | 2 |
India vs South Africa, Final Team News
Fortunately for both sides, there are no injury concerns! Regardless, there is a slight possibility to tinker for both the finalists. While Shivam Dube’s form has posed questions on Rohit, South Africa could go in for a tactical change. Although they have stuck with Maharaj and Shamsi in the last couple of games, Aiden Markram can look to bring in Ottniel Baartman, given the conditions in Barbados. The Men in Blue are likely to stick with the same combination of 3 pacers and as many spin options.
India vs South Africa, Final, Barbados Pitch Report
A much more balanced surface awaits in Barbados for both the teams. The pitch at the Kensington Oval is expected to offer some seam movement to new ball bowlers at the start, with fast bowlers likely to benefit from extra bounce. Batters might struggle initially, but as the game progresses, the pitch generally offers true pace and bounce, allowing them to play their shots with confidence.
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Spinners, however, may not find much assistance from the pitch in terms of turn and will need to rely on accuracy and variations to outsmart the batters. The average first innings score in Barbados is 153, indicating a balanced pitch that offers opportunities for players in both the departments.
India vs South Africa, Final Weather Report
Damn, things doesn’t boast a great picture for the finals! Just like the IND vs ENG semifinal, we can expect cloudy skies with periods of rain and thundershowers. There is a high chance of rainfall throughout the day, with a 47% probability of thunderstorms and 99% cloud cover. The weather is expected to be cloudy, breezy, and humid, with showers and thunderstorms expected in the early morning and late afternoon.
| Time (IST) | Rain chances |
|---|---|
| 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm | 70% |
| 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm | 60% |
| 9:30 pm to 10:30 pm | 70% |
| 10:30 pm to 11:30 pm | 60% |
India vs South Africa, Final Predicted XIs
India Predicted XI
Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya (vc), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa Predicted XI
Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi/Ottniel Baartman.
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