3 solutions for South Africa to succeed in the 2nd T20

After suffering a 5-1 drubbing in the 50-over format, the South African team would have been searching for some turn of fortune in the T20 series. But as it turned out, India again bossed the game and ended up with a comprehensive victory.

While South Africa are missing many of their first-choice players like ABD, Faf, Morkel and Rabada, they still had a competitive team with many promising youngsters. There were a few promising performances from them, but it could not be enough to overhaul India.

With South Africa already 0-1 down in the 3 match series, they don't have much time to waste if they want to come back to the winning ways. They quickly need to take stock of what should be done better.

Here is a look at the 3 most important things that they need to address:

#3 Tight Bowling in the Powerplay

Dane Paterson was the most expensive bowler for South Africa

It is no secret that India’s top order is their biggest strength. Rohit Sharma gave India a blazing start before being dismissed, and Shikhar Dhawan made it big, scoring 72 runs. With Raina and Kohli also coming into picture, India scored 78 runs in the powerplay, with 5 sixes and 8 fours. That is effectively more than two boundaries every over.

South Africa will need to restrict this run flow by ensuring that they bowl well in the powerplay. They must exert pressure on the batsmen through some tight bowling, which may even lead to a few wickets.

India have hardly seen a situation of being 2-3 down for nothing, and it can only be achieved with some good quality bowling at the top. South Africa do not have spinners like India to rule the middle overs. Hence, a good start with the ball becomes crucial.

#2 Better Batting Display from the Senior Batsmen

Duminy and Miller need to shoulder more responsibility for the team

South Africa are playing the series without the services of some of their best batsmen, including Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers. But it doesn’t mean they don’t have any experienced batsmen with them. JP Duminy and David Miller are both available, but they ended up with scores of 3 and 9 respectively, both getting dismissed to poor shots. This effectively meant that they were virtually out of the game in a steep chase.

The senior batsmen need to step up to the challenge and contribute more to the team total. Duminy is capable of holding the innings together, while Miller’s hitting prowess can come in handy for the hosts. They have to put a bigger price tag on their wicket and lead the batting effort from the young side. It will be a welcome change for the youngsters around them as well to see them do well.

#1 Fielding and Catching

Dropping as many as 3 catches has been a terrible thing for South Africa

This is the aspect which has probably hurt South Africa the most, as a team which has perennially been considered as one of the best fielding sides in the world has not been doing the basics right. Three catches were dropped in the first match, something that clearly cost them dearly. The ground fielding also seemed to lack intensity.

South Africa can take a cue from India in this, who have been doing exceptionally well in this department. India have held on to some very tough chances and even had game-changing moments through direct hits. South Africa can plan to put their best catchers at important fielding positions to hold on to these chances. While the ground fielding can also improve, the more critical part is to not let go off a chance. As they say, ‘Catches Win Matches’.