On December 12, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for the second T20 International series match between India and South Africa in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth. The encounter follows the first T20I showdown at Kingsmead in Durban, raising concerns about the impending threat of rain at the Gqeberha venue. The scheduled commencement time for the match is 8:30 pm IST.

Head to Head - In the cricketing history between India and South Africa, spanning 25 T20 matches, the teams have engaged in fierce competition. India emerged victorious in 13 encounters, while South Africa clinched 10 wins. Notably, two matches, including the initial T20I in this series, ended without conclusive results. In the last five T20 matches with definitive outcomes, India secured victory in three instances, while South Africa triumphed twice.

Pitch Report - Analyzing the playing conditions, the pitch at Gqeberha favors fast bowlers due to its bounce and the early movement of the new ball. However, once batsmen settle in, scoring becomes more manageable, thanks to the small boundaries and a speedy outfield. While spinners might find effectiveness later in the game, the overall advantage tilts in favor of fast bowlers.

Weather Report - Turning attention to the weather forecast, Gqeberha anticipates cloudy conditions with a likelihood of showers. According to AccuWeather, there is an 84% probability of rain during the day, with a minor 6% chance at night. Thunderstorms loom at a 17% probability. Temperature-wise, expect a range between 21 to 14 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing at speeds around 26 km/hr in the south-south-west direction during the day and 9 km/h in the south-east direction at night.

Where and when to Watch - For fans eager to catch the action, the 2nd T20 match will be broadcast on the Disney+Hotstar app and website, starting from 8:30 pm IST.

As uncertainty surrounds the match due to the weather conditions, cricket enthusiasts await an exhilarating contest between these cricketing powerhouses, hoping rain doesn't dampen the spirits of the players and fans alike.

Picture Credit - Aaj Tak