Heavyweights clash in Ahmedabad, Narendra Modi Stadium sets the stage for a blockbuster rematch of the 2024 final. India And South Africa Both are entering the Super 8s without any defeats, having won four each in their respective groups.
While India’s journey in Group A was defined by efficient bowling and a +2.500 NRR, South Africa showed nerves of steel in Group D, afghanistan Surviving the double super over thriller against.
The players in blue are hoping for a tactical change, with local hero Axar Patel being brought in for Washington Sundar. Despite Abhishek Sharma’s recent three consecutive ducks, the management is likely to prioritize the youngster’s explosive potential over a possible replacement for Sanju Samson.
UAE The Proteas will return to their full-strength squad after resting key players in their dead rubber against Australia. The return of David Miller and Marco Jansen adds the necessary muscle, while the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram will look to take advantage of India’s left-heavy middle order.
IND vs SA: Ahmedabad Weather Forecast
Weather conditions in Ahmedabad look almost ideal for Sunday’s blockbuster Super 8 clash between India and South Africa. The current conditions at Narendra Modi Stadium are 28°C, clear sky and light breeze of 1 mph from north-east. Humidity is currently 33% and the chance of rain is 0%, with no immediate threat at the start of the game.
As the match progresses towards the evening, the forecast remains favorable for a full 40-over contest. The daytime high temperature is expected to reach 34°C, while it will drop to 19°C at night. The evening sky will be clear and the chance of rain will be 0%. The winds are expected to change slightly, coming from the north-west at a speed of 6 mph, which may give the bowlers some movement in the lights. While the air will remain dry and 29% humidity has been predicted for the day, local reports suggest that dew usually accumulates at this venue during the second innings, which could significantly impact the grip for the spinners.
IND vs SA: Effect of dew at Narendra Modi Stadium
The effect of dew is expected to become a major tactical headache for both the captains tonight in Ahmedabad. As the evening temperature drops towards 19°C, heavy humidity usually settles during the second innings on the outfield of the Narendra Modi Stadium. This makes the ball much more difficult for the spinners to catch, often neutralizing their turn and allowing the ball to skid rapidly onto the bat. As a result, the chasing team gets a clear advantage as the ball comes faster and becomes difficult for the bowlers to control in the final overs, making the toss a potential game-changer.
IND vs SA: Toss Prediction
In Ahmedabad, the team winning the toss has a higher probability of deciding to bowl first, which is supported by three tactical reasons for the Narendra Modi Stadium:
- Effect of dew: In contrast to the daytime dry season, evening matches in Ahmedabad in February are heavily affected by significant dew. As the temperature drops to 19°C, the outfield becomes slick, making it almost impossible for spinners to catch the white ball. The captain would prefer to chase so that his bowlers can play with the dry ball while the opposition has to struggle with the wet ball in the second innings.
- Mobility of Black Soil: The match will be played on a black clay pitch, which traditionally provides a stable, carpet-like bounce that prioritizes stroke making. While the surface may be a little sticky initially, it skids better in the light. South Africa’s recent successful chase of 175 runs New Zealand Against at this very venue, it proves that as the game progresses, this pitch becomes a batsman’s paradise.
- Night chasing success: While historical data shows a slight bias towards teams batting first in Ahmedabad, recent T20 World Cup night matches have shown a preference for teams chasing. With a fast-paced outfield and high-scoring prospects, both Suryakumar and Markram are likely to support their explosive middle order, which includes hardik pandya And finishers like Miller, who are ready to chase any target with the logistical advantage of chasing in lights.
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