The third T20 match between India and South Africa is scheduled for Sunday in Dharamshala. The series is currently tied at 1-1. India easily won the first match, but South Africa thrashed them by 51 runs in the second.
Now, the Dharamshala ground, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, presents a new challenge for both teams. The December chill is intense here, and snow is visible on the mountains.
The Double Whammy of Cold and Altitude
The stadium is situated at an altitude of 1317 meters, meaning the air is thinner and the ball travels further. Even mis-hits can go for boundaries. Previously, most matches here have been played in February-March or October, never in December. Playing in the cold will be a new experience for both teams.
Questions are being raised about the form of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill. However, middle-order batsman Tilak Varma is in good form. In the press conference, Tilak said, “At this level, there can be no excuses.”
The South African team skipped training the day before the match and went sightseeing in the mountains. Their coach, Shukri Conrad, said that some players were on a hike.
Conrad said, “I have had to cancel a meeting today because some of the players were still on their hike in the mountains.” He is not worried about the cold and said, “Coming to a wonderful place like this is all part of the experience of playing in India.”
Dew and High Scores Expected
In North India, dew is heavy on December evenings, making it difficult for bowlers. So far in the series, dew has troubled bowlers on both sides. Tilak believes that if the dew sets in from the beginning of the evening match, the effect is balanced for both teams. Coach Conrad said his team has been practicing with a wet ball to prepare for the dew.
The groundsmen at the stadium say the wicket is excellent and will produce high scores. Both matches played here in this year’s IPL saw first-innings scores of over 240. Conrad said, “The groundsmen here will tell you that this is an excellent wicket. I think we are expecting a lot of runs.”
Jasprit Bumrah had a light practice session, while Arshdeep Singh didn’t even show up. Bumrah conceded four sixes in the last match. The Indian batting group had an intense net session the day before the match, indicating the team is looking to improve.
This match is crucial for both teams to progress in the series. The short boundaries and fast outfield at Dharamshala will benefit the batsmen.
Due to the dew, the team winning the toss will likely choose to chase. Both sets of bowlers will have to work hard, as runs come easily here.
