Fresh form a resounding victory against West Indies on their home turf, India mark the beginning of their home season with a T20 series against South Africa. The first game of this tournament is at Dharamsala where rain might play spoilsport. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, both the sides will be eager to stamp their authority in the shortest format of the game. The Proteas had a poor World Cup in England and since it is a side that is going revamp, the expectations are not quite high from them. In 14 games, India have won 8 with South Africa winning 5 and 1 game getting abandoned. A look at the last five T20 games between the two teams. India Vs South Africa, Cricket Score 1st T20I Match. 

South Africa vs India  - February 24 2018 – Cape Town – India won by 7 runs

A wonderful partnership by Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan helped India reach a decent total of 172 batting first in Cape Town. The Proteas in reply were slow to get out of their blocks but skipper J P Duminyupped the ante in middle overs. Christiaan Jonker’s efforts in the end went to vain as the hosts fell short of 7 runs. India vs South Africa T20I 2019: Hardik Pandya, Navdeep Saini, Quinton de Kock and Other Players to Watch Out for During South Africa's Tour of India.

South Africa vs India – February 21 2018 – Centurion – South Africa won by 6 wickets

India were in a spot of bother at 90-4 when M S Dhoni and Manish Pandey started their recovery work with a wonderful unbeaten partnership of 98. The veteran wicket-keeper’s classic 28 ball 52 rolled back the years as the visitors went hammer and tongs towards the end. South Africa though had little problem chasing down the total with J P Duminy and Henrick Klassen scoring 64 and 69 respectively. India vs South Africa 1st T20I, 2019 Match Weather Report: Check Out the Rain Forecast and Pitch Report of HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

South Africa vs India – February 18 2018 – Johannesburg – India won by 28 runs

Visitors India thoroughly dominated the South African bowlers as they posted a massive 203 runs in their quota if 20 overs. Shikhar Dhawan led India’s charge with a 39 ball 72 that included 10 fours and 2 sixes. Proteas were in the game till the time Reeza Hendricks was at the crease but once he fell, the challenge vaporised for the hosts.

India vs South Africa – October 8 2015 – Kolkata – Match Abandoned

A massive disappointment for the fans as the game had to be abandoned without a bowl being bowled at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

India vs South Africa, 1st T20I 2019 Preview: IND Aim for Maiden T20I Series Win against SA at Home

India vs South Africa – October 5 2015 – Cuttack – South Africa won by 6 wickets

Albie Morkel, Chris Morris and Imran Tahir shared seven wickets between them as Indians were bowled out for a paltry 92 in 17.2 overs on a batting friendly Cuttack wicket. In reply, South Africa got home with 6 wickets in the shade with J P Duminy top scoring with 30 runs. Ravi Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts with 3 wickets in 4 overs.

India have a strong team that knows how to win consistently at home though the South Africans are no pushovers. The T20 format is unpredictable which is the beauty of it hence there is always a chance of an upset.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 15, 2019 10:12 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).