India and South Africa are slated to lock horns in match 3 of the Super 8s at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday in what is slated to be a high-voltage rematch of the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Both teams enter the second stage unbeaten, and the encounter will be a gripping battle between two heavyweights looking to assert early dominance.

India have been clinical so far. They stormed through the group stage with four wins, overcoming Netherlands and Namibia while producing a commanding performance against Pakistan. However, their campaign was not without turbulence. In their tournament opener against the USA, India were pushed to the brink before Suryakumar Yadav delivered a breathtaking 84 off 49 balls to anchor the chase.

South Africa’s march into the Super 8s has been incredibly impactful. The Proteas outclassed New Zealand, Canada and UAE with ease, but their defining moment came in a heart-stopping encounter against Afghanistan which saw a double Super Over thriller, where South Africa narrowly edged Afghanistan. 

Meanwhile, despite India's unbeaten run, they have questions to answer. Abhishek Sharma’s lean patch, registering three consecutive ducks, has left the top order slightly unsettled. While Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have carefully balanced stability, the side has relied heavily on explosive contributions from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

Ishan Kishan has been a big performer at the top. His fearless approach has given India the momentum in each of their last four games. For South Africa, Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram have been marvellous at the top, while young stars like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs have shown a fearless approach. David Miller and the all-round impact of Marco Jansen are other positives for South Africa. India’s bowling will heavily depend on Jasprit Bumrah in the pace department. Alongside him, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy offers wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. On the other hand, South Africa, too, boast a formidable attack, with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen featuring in the unit.

Head-to-head

Matches - 35

IND won - 21

SA won - 13

No result - 1

IND likely XI: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

SA likely XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj