South Africa vs Australia Prediction: The majority of the key Aussie players are rested for the series

South Africa will be facing off against Australia in the first game of the T20 Series being played at Kingsmead Cricket Ground. The majority of the key Aussie players are rested for the series. Who will win this game?

South Africa form

South Africa is undoubtedly seeking a victory after their recent T20I series loss of 1-2 against the West Indies. Considering the slightly less formidable Australian squad, this upcoming match could be South Africa's prime opportunity to shine.

The responsibility of leading the batting charge will likely fall upon Hendricks and Captain Markram. With 50 innings and 1,544 runs, Hendricks boasts substantial experience and an average of 31.51. Meanwhile, Markram's recent batting displays have been impressive, amassing 966 runs from 30 innings with an average of 40.25.

The Australian team will have to keep an eye out for a set of skillful bowlers, notably Maharaj, Ngidi, and Shamsi. In his 25 innings, Maharaj has demonstrated his prowess with 22 wickets, although his economy rate (ER) stands at 7.21, which is a tad high. Ngidi has emerged as a standout bowler, excelling in 60 innings with an impressive 60 wickets and a commendable average of 18.43. Shamsi is a spinner to watch out for, boasting a remarkable 74 wickets in 61 innings, while maintaining a solid economy rate of 7.28, especially for a spin bowler.

South Africa Lineup

T Stubbs, RR Hendricks, AK Markram (C), HE van der Dussen, DA Miller, Q de Kock (wk), H Klaasen, T Shamsi, KA Maharaj, K Rabada, A Nortje

Australia form

Following a strenuous yet victorious Ashes series against England, Australia is strategically resting several key players, particularly in light of the imminent Cricket World Cup. Notable figures like Pat Cummins, David Warner, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc will be absent from the T20I matches but are anticipated to rejoin the squad for the ODIs.

Star batsman Steve Smith is likely to sit out the entire tour due to a wrist injury sustained during the Ashes series, although he is expected to recover in time for the World Cup. Taking on the role of captain for the first time, Mitchell Marsh will lead the Australian squad, which also welcomes several debutants in the T20I format, including Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, and Matt Short.

With some key batting figures missing from the lineup, added responsibility will fall upon the shoulders of players like Marsh, Head, Stoinis, and David to maintain a steady flow of runs. As the team's captain and one of the most seasoned members with 44 innings, Marsh is poised to lead the batting charge, having already accumulated 1,086 runs with an average of 29.35 in T20I matches. Stoinis, another seasoned campaigner, boasts a reliable batting record with 803 runs at a 29.74 average. Keep a watchful eye on David as well, who, despite only 23 innings, has already amassed an impressive 740 runs at an average of 37.00.

The bowling lineup has experienced a slight setback in the absence of major names like Cummins and Starc. However, the inclusion of Zampa in the squad brings a sense of reassurance. Zampa stands as Australia's top wicket-taker in T20Is with 82 wickets in 71 innings, complemented by an excellent economy rate (ER) of 6.93. Though Ellis boasts limited experience with just five innings, he has already secured 15 wickets, showcasing an impressive ER of 6.40. Additionally, Stoinis contributes as a valuable all-rounder, having clinched 18 wickets across 29 innings.

Australia Predicted Lineup

Tim David, TM Head, MP Stoinis, MW Short, MR Marsh (C), Sean Abbott, JP Inglis (wk), MS Wade, JP Behrendorff, A Zampa, Nathan Ellis

Expert betting tips

The Kingsmead pitch is renowned for favoring bowlers due to its lightning-fast nature that offers substantial bounce and turn. Spin bowlers can also exploit significant movement from the surface, contributing to the prevalence of low-scoring T20 matches with scores hovering around 150. The Australian squad is without a number of their key players, and there are several newcomers in the team who are yet to make their T20I debut. Given that the matches are taking place in South Africa, this could potentially offer a slight edge to the home team. With players like Markram and Ngidi in fine form, the team's prospects are looking promising. The setback against the West Indies is in the past, and they should approach the upcoming matches with renewed determination. Expect South Africa to win.