The series is finely poised at 1–1 after a dramatic start. India made a powerful statement in the opening match in Cuttack, crushing South Africa by 101 runs, before the Proteas hit back in emphatic fashion. A dominant all-round display saw them thump the hosts by 51 runs in the second T20 in New Chandigarh on Thursday to level matters.

The wicket at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is expected to be a good one for batting. With altitude, true bounce and quick outfields all coming into play, another run-fest is on the cards on Sunday.

The picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala with the Himalayas in the background. Photo: Cricinfo

South Africa may head into the contest with a slight edge in confidence. As the old cricket adage goes, you’re only as good as your last game – and the Proteas were outstanding in the previous outing, with big-hitting wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock leading the charge.

Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad said adaptability would be key, rather than sticking rigidly to a set plan.

“I don’t think there will be a specific strategy,” Conrad explained. “We’ll assess the conditions as quickly as we can, and the guys have played here before, so they know what to expect.

“Our batting approach will be shaped by the conditions and the structure around that – and by conditions, we mean everything from the pitch to the atmosphere.

“The batters are experienced enough to work it out on the day. There’s nothing too specific, other than taking into account how much swing or seam movement there is.

“It looks like a really good wicket. The groundsman says it’s an excellent surface, and the scores here back that up. At altitude, on a good wicket, we’re expecting plenty of runs.”

Shukri Conrad. Photo: Cricinfo

With the prospect of bowling second and dealing with dew and a wet ball, Conrad said the Proteas are well prepared and unfazed by the challenge.

“Yeah, we did a lot of work prior to the series and during the ODIs as well,” he added. “Bowling with a slightly wet ball was something we focused on quite a bit.

“You probably won’t see us practising too much during the T20s now, as it’s more of a play-travel-play schedule, but all the hard work was done before the series and during the ODI leg.

“So yes, I think we’ve done ample preparation when it comes to bowling with a ball affected by the dew.”

Sunday’s third T20 International at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is scheduled to get under way at 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs