Hello fantasy champs! The T20I series between India and South Africa is perfectly poised at 1-1, and the action now moves to the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala for the third match. After South Africa's dominant comeback in the last game, Team India will be eager to bounce back and take the lead. This high altitude venue is famous for high scoring games, so get ready for a six hitting festival!
Pitch Report and Venue Analysis
The Dharamsala stadium is a paradise for batters. The average first innings score here is a whopping 187, which tells you everything you need to know. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and the outfield is lightning quick.
For the bowlers, there's a clear trend: pacers are the key to success here. In the last five matches, fast bowlers have picked up 46 wickets compared to just 12 for the spinners. So, loading your fantasy team with quality pacers from both sides should be your top strategy.
Team Analysis and Key Players
India (IND)
After a tough loss, India will look to their key players to step up. Axar Patel has been outstanding this series, contributing with both bat and ball, making him a prime fantasy asset. Hardik Pandya also showed good form with a fifty in the first match. While Tilak Varma was the lone warrior with the bat in the last game, the team needs big scores from senior players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, who are due for a big innings.
In the bowling department, the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh will be crucial on this pace friendly wicket. Varun Chakravarthy has been brilliant, picking up 5 wickets in two games, but he might find the conditions less helpful here.
South Africa (SA)
The Proteas will be flying high after their massive win. Quinton de Kock was unstoppable in the last match with a blistering 90. He is a must have in any fantasy team. The bowling attack was led by Ottneil Baartman, who took a fantastic 4-wicket haul, and the ever reliable Lungi Ngidi, who has 5 wickets in the series. All rounders Marco Jansen and Donovan Ferreira provide excellent balance and can fetch points with both their skills.
Top Fantasy Picks
- Quinton de Kock: In destructive form and offers wicket keeping points. A top captaincy contender.
- Axar Patel: India's most consistent performer in the series. He can score quick runs and is a genuine wicket taker.
- Hardik Pandya: A world class all rounder who can change the game with either bat or ball.
- Lungi Ngidi: Has been among the wickets consistently and will relish the conditions in Dharamsala.
Captain & Vice Captain Choices
- Safe Choices: Quinton de Kock, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel
- Grand Contest Choices: Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ottneil Baartman
Differential Picks (Game Changers)
- Suryakumar Yadav (35% Selected): A big score is just around the corner for the world's best T20 batter. He could be a massive point scorer if he gets going.
- Ottneil Baartman (32% Selected): After his 4-wicket haul, his confidence will be sky high. He could be a huge differential if he repeats his performance.
- Jasprit Bumrah (48% Selected): On a pitch that assists pacers, a bowler of Bumrah's calibre is always a threat. His low selection percentage is a surprise.
