Durban, Dec 11: India’s tour of South Africa began on a shaky note as the first T20 international was called off due to heavy rains in Durban. Cricket South Africa waited till the last moment as per the rules, but rains were showing no indication of stopping and finally the cricket administration decided to call off the match.The young Team India is welcomed by rains in Durban and the toss for the first T20 international is delayed. The covers are on the pitch and fans are praying to the rain gods as they want the match to start as soon as possible.
Suryakumar Yadav led team India will take on the Proteas for the first out of the three-match T20I series.
The Indians come into the match on a high, having won the series against the Aussies in their own backyard. However, Surya and company won’t take too much comfort from that win on home soil, as it came against a depleted Aussie line-up in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup, and the batting-friendly conditions in India helped their batsmen’s style.
Playing in South Africa, however, will be a different ball game altogether as the swinging and seaming conditions in the SENA country are unlikely to offer any solace to the Indian batsmen, especially batsmen like Shreyas Iyer who could once again be tested on his vulnerability to the short ball.