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When two undefeated titans clash, individual rivalries take center stage. As India and South Africa lock horns in Ahmedabad, expect serious fireworks. Here are five juicy player match-ups that could decide the game:
1. Quinton de Kock vs Jasprit Bumrah
It’s the ultimate test of nerves. De Kock is enduring a rare and frustrating slump, suffering three consecutive ducks in this World Cup. His reward? Facing the lethal Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball. Bumrah has a historic knack for keeping QDK quiet in T20s, making this a make-or-break powerplay duel for the Proteas opener.
2. Suryakumar Yadav vs Marco Jansen
Remember their fiery, heated exchange on the field in Durban late last year? There’s no love lost between these two! The Indian skipper’s 360-degree magic goes head-to-head with Jansen’s towering left-arm pace and steep bounce. Surya is looking to find his trademark rhythm on these tacky pitches, and Jansen stands right in his way.
3. Aiden Markram vs Varun Chakravarthy
The Proteas captain is the steady backbone of their batting lineup. But to build a big score, he has to survive India’s mystery weapon. Varun is having a spectacular tournament, bagging 9 wickets in just 4 games with a miserly economy rate of 5.16. It’s pure tactical chess in the middle overs.
4. Abhishek Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada
India’s young, explosive opener has had a brutal start, registering three ducks so far in the tournament. Now, he faces the express pace and hostility of Kagiso Rabada. Can the youngster shake off the nerves and take down a modern fast-bowling great, or will Rabada’s experience win out?
5. Shivam Dube vs Keshav Maharaj
This is brute force against smart spin. Dube has been the muscle in India’s middle order, boasting a blistering strike rate of 178 this tournament. He is famous for smashing spinners out of the park, but the crafty left-arm orthodox Maharaj will try to use the pitch to outsmart him.
