HPCA Stadium Dharamsala: The hosts in India don’t have the best of record when it comes to playing in Dharamsala.
Advertisement
The first T20I between India and South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday will commence the Indian home season where they will be seen hosting as many as five teams. Other than hosting South Africa in the season-opener, the picturesque venue will also host them for the first ODI of the three-match series in March next year.
Both the teams will be looking at building a team for the ICC T20I World Cup to be played next year in Australia. While India’s rank suggests that they haven’t been the best of T20I teams of late, South Africa’s outright inexperience is a primary concern for them.
The Proteas will be banking on the senior pair of wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada throughout the tour.
HPCA Stadium Dharamsala
It is worth mentioning that India have played a lone T20I at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association till now. Back in 2015, the first T20I of South Africa’s tour of India was played at the same venue. Despite posting 199/5 in the first innings, India ended up losing the match in the last over.
India opening batsman Rohit Sharma had registered his maiden T20I century after South Africa captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and put India in to bat. Before getting out in the 16th over, Sharma scored 106 (66) with the help of 12 fours and five sixes.
ALSO WATCH: Ravi Shastri and Shikhar Dhawan reveal Virat Kohli’s favourite music playlist
It was a 105-run partnership between JP Duminy and Farhaan Behardien (32) for the fourth wicket which saw the Proteas sealing the chase in the last over. Absolutely unstoppable on his day, Duminy belted the Indian bowlers during his innings of 68 (34) with the help of a four and seven sixes.
Playing a T20I in Dharamsala after four years, India would be looking to make matters even on the day after tomorrow.
