India look to restore some pride in final Twenty20 against South Africa
India will look to restore some pride while South Africa will aim for a clean sweep of the three-match Twenty20 International series by winning the final game in Kolkata tomorrow.
The tourists sealed the series in Cuttack when they handed the hosts a humiliating six-wicket defeat, after bowling them out for their second lowest T20I total of 92.
MS Dhoni-led India will look to get into a winning momentum going into the five-match One-Day International series against the visitors. The limited-overs skipper had lost the preceding ODI series against Bangladesh 1-2.
Dhoni has also come under severe criticism for playing batsman Ambati Rayudu and left-arm spinner Axar Patel ahead of the reliable Ajinkya Rahane and in-form leg-spinner Amit Mishra.
Although arguably one of India’s most successful captains, with a World Twenty20 title, ODI World Cup and Champions Trophy crown to his credit, Dhoni is under considerable pressure following consecutive series defeats, especially with his match-winning batting abilities as a finisher also eluding him.
At Dharamshala, India managed just 41 runs from the last five overs with Dhoni in the middle. Following a top-order collapse in Cuttack, Dhoni, batting at number six, failed to build partnerships.
“It was amazing to see all bowlers putting up a fantastic show. I think possibly it's the best bowling performance I've seen ever in T20Is," South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said after the Cuttack game.
Pacer Albie Morkel recorded his career-best T20I figures on his return after an 18-month break. The raw aggression of Kagiso Rabada, Morkel's experience and leg-break bowler Imran Tahir's guile will prove crucial as South Africa eye a sweep.