The second game of the India South Africa T20I series is set to be played at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium. In this article, we will be previewing the game and have a look at the Cuttack Cricket Stadium’s pitch report and T20 records.
Team forms
South Africa managed to comprehensively outplay India in the opening match of the series. A match-winning partnership between David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen ensured that the tourists kicked off their tour on a winning note. But one area where the tourists would like to improve their performance would be in the bowling department. The spin-twin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi conceded 70 runs across their 5 overs, so it might serve them well to drop one of them to accommodate an extra pace-bowling option in the form of Lungi Ngidi. It would also be interesting to see if Aiden Markram recovers from his COVID infection in due time, which could see him get slotted into the playing XI straight away.
India, meanwhile, might have to tinker with their team combination themselves ahead of the second game. While the batting lineup seems to be quite settled, the inability to defend a score of 211 might just tempt the hosts to make some changes in the bowling unit. Young uncapped pacer Arshdeep Singh- who has made a name in the IPL for his death bowling prowess- could be given a go, factoring how badly India missed a gun death bowler in the first match.
The fiery raw pace of Umran Malik remains as promising an option as it has always been, so it would be interesting to see if he gets a chance in the next match. The team management would also be encouraging stand-in captain Rishabh Pant to better utilize his players and resources.
India vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, Barabati Stadium, match details
When: 12 June, 7 PM IST
Where: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, Odisha
Barabati Stadium T20I records
| Total matches | 2 |
| Matches won batting first | 1 |
| Matches won bowling first | 1 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 136 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 91 |
| Highest total recorded | 180/3 (20 Ov) by IND vs SL |
| Lowest total recorded | 87/10 (16 Ov) by SL vs IND |
| Highest score chased | 96/4 (17.1 Ov) by RSA vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 180/3 (20 Ov) by IND vs SL |
Cuttack Pitch Report
Traditionally, the surface at Barabati has been somewhat slow and sluggish, and it should continue to remain of a similar nature. But in recent times, curators have installed a new sand-based layer on the outfield to improve the playing conditions. It’s the first time that this new outfield is being tested out, so it should make for some interesting viewing.
ALSO READ: Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report for PAK vs WI match and ODI records of ground
Cuttack Weather Report for IND vs SA T20
The prediction for Sunday at the Barabati Stadium shows cloudy weather with 10 percent chances of rain. It will be a humid day, with 55 percent humidity in the air. Expect some winds blowing around at an average speed of 18kmph.