IND vs SA, T20 World Cup Final, Head-to-Head: India ahead of South Africa in close competition

India face South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. Set to be played in Barbados, this is going to be a match between two unbeaten teams in the tournament.

Both teams have strong bowling attacks and explosiveness in their batting line-up, making it one of the most electric clashes of the tournament.

India are expected to edge out South Africa in the contest, having played one match in Barbados at the Super 8 stage. South Africa have shown incredible grit throughout the tournament but have not looked convincing in any of the matches so far. The two teams have played 26 T20Is so far and India have edged ahead with 14 wins and 11 losses. India’s domination is slightly prominent in the T20 World Cups, where they have won 4 out of the 6 matches played.

However, in terms of recent history, South Africa have won 3 in the last five matches, while India have just one win to their name. One can however argue that that in majority of the last five matches, India did not play a full strength XI against the Proteas due to workload management.

The last time India faced South Africa in a T20 World Cup was in 2022, where the Proteas beat the Men in Blue. Rahul Dravid acknowledged that in the pre-match press conference and said that the team which has the rub of the green will lift the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.

IND vs SA: T20 WORLD CUP FINAL TEAM NEWS
India is set to stick with the same playing eleven, hoping for key contributions from Virat Kohli and Shivam Dube in the final. Kohli has had a quiet tournament, contrasting with his prolific IPL season, while Rohit Sharma has led by example and his innings will be crucial. Dube’s performance against spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could be key. India’s bowlers, both pacers and spinners, have been in top form heading into the final.

South Africa too might field an unchanged playing XI. They expect strong performances from openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks, with de Kock capable of putting serious pressure on the opposition. Captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen, known for their destructive hitting, need runs, especially against India’s spin threat. While South Africa’s pace attack has been impressive, its effectiveness in a day game remains to be seen. Shamsi and Maharaj are effective, but Indian batters are unlikely to be intimidated by them.

IND vs SA FINAL: PREDICTED PLAYING XIs
India: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma (C), Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryarumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi