India and South Africa lock horns in the third and final game of the T20 series in Bengaluru with an eye on the World Cup coming up next year. With the Dharamsala game washed out and a one-sided encounter in Mohali, the series is craving for a high-octane game. Bengaluru has often produced high scoring games which is pleasing for the fans who come in the hope of power hitting. South Africa do not boast of big names like in the past and is a side in transition. It will be unfair to expect mighty things from them at the very start but must challenge the Indians more. A look at the mini battles within the battle in Bengaluru. India Vs South Africa, Cricket Score 3rd T20I Match.
Shikhar Dhawan vs Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada did not look his usual self in Mohali and will be looking for redemption in the third T20. He faces an uphill task to get the better off of Shikhar Dhawan who does not have to counter any swing in subcontinent wickets. If Rabada fails to get the southpaw early, the Proteas will hand over the initiative in the powerplays to the home side.
Virat Kohli vs Andile Phehlukwayo
While there are not many in the South African unit who can get the better of Virat Kohli, Andile Phehlukwayo in the middle stages must keep the Indian skipper in check. His slower balls and cutters often end up deceiving well-set players, and despite not being world-class, he can get the prize wicket of Kohli.
Deepak Chahar vs Quinton de Kock
Deepak Chahar in the powerplays has made quite a reputation for himself in a relatively short span of time. His duel with South African skipper Quinton de Kock is going to be interesting considering the latter is the best the visitors have. If South Africa are to do well with the bat De Kock must attack Chahar right from the onset and not let him settle.
David Miller vs Navdeep Saini
At the death, emerging kid on the block Navdeep Saini should be ready to battle it out against experienced batsman David Miller. Lower order batsman Miller has not been in the best of forms for quite some time now but still remains a fearsome player. If Navdeep Saini misses his Yorkers by a few millimetres, Miller is on hand to deposit them out of the park.
These are the standout contests that may very well decide which way this match will turn. A series win for hosts India should give them a lot of confidence in the build-up to the World Cup next year.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2019 06:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).