SA vs PAK 1st T20I: Kingsmead Durban Pitch Report

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Pitch at the Kingsmead, Durban [Source: @Golfhackno1/x.com]Pitch at the Kingsmead, Durban [Source: @Golfhackno1/x.com]

South Africa will be up against Pakistan in the first T20I match of the three match series at the Kingsmead in Durban. This match will be played on December 10 at 9:30 PM IST. 

The action shifts for South Africa from the Tests to the ODIs. After facing Sri Lanka, the Proteas will be up against Pakistan under the leadership of Henirch Klaasen. The home team will be keen on winning the first match of the series and get off to a good start in the series.

On the other hand, Pakistan are coming with great momentum in this series. They have played well in the previous series against Zimbabwe and will be looking to start off with a win in South Africa. The strength of the tean will be increased by the return of their regular first XI players like Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi.

Kingsmead, Durban Records And Stats In ODIs

Categories
Numbers
Matches23
Matches won batting first12
Matches won batting second9
Average first innings score155
Average second innings score
135

As far as the stats reveal, the team batting first has won more games at the Kingsmead, Durban. Thus keeping the trend of the venue in mind, the captain winning the toss might look to bat first and set target for the opposition.

Kingsmead, Durban Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The pitch at Kingsmead in Durban provides true pace and bounce. The batters can trust the nature of the wicket and play their shots freely. The fact that the ball comes on nicely to the bat on this track allows the batters to get the full value for their shots. We have already been witness to a few high scoring games at this venue and can expect much of the same in this match.

As far as the bowlers are concerned, the need to hit the hard length on a consistent basis to get the benefits of the track. However, towards the end of the innings, the bowlers need to vary their line and length to be impactful.

Players To Watch Out For At Kingsmead, Durban

Henrich Klaasen - The South African wicketkeeper is a key part of the team's batting line-up, especially in this format. Heinrich Klaasen has the ability to take on the bowlers at any stage of a game and change the complexion of the match. He will be one of the key cogs for the home team in this game. 

Usman Khan - The Pakisani batter has proven himself as a dynamic batter in the top-order. Usman Khan has can play horizontal shots pretty well and hence could be an effective player on this track. His aggressive batting attitude makes him an impirtant part of Pakistan.

Ryan Rickelton - The young keeper batter has been a great batter and he has proven himself in the SA20. Ryan Rickelton has translated his performance into the international arena. He could change the momentum of the very early in the match with his aggressive and intentful batting.