"Expecting at least a 3-1 win" - Herschelle Gibbs on scoreline for IND vs SA 2024 T20I series
Former South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs has predicted the result of the ongoing T20I series against India. Gibbs reckons India's inexperience means they will struggle to compete and lose the series 3-1.
After losing the opening game in Durban by 61 runs, South Africa bounced back in Gqeberha with a three-wicket win. However, the hosts struggled to chase a modest 125 before Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee dragged them over the line.
Speaking to SportsBoom, Gibbs said he is expecting the final two games at the Centurion and Wanderers to be high-scoring ones, adding that South Africa will emerge victorious. He said:
"Anything can happen. I think those sorts of wickets will suit the Indians more. Then come Johannesburg and the Wanderers at Super Sport Park, I’m expecting some high scoring games. Anything can happen in those games. After the first two games, the Proteas are with a full-strength team. India come with a team that's not as experienced. I'm expecting at least a 3-1 series win with the Proteas.”
The Proteas will be keen for their middle-order heavyweights Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller to find form. The swashbuckling duo have failed in both T20Is thus far.
"They thrive on pressure and big occasions" - Herschelle Gibbs on Team India
Gibbs also suggested that India would not go down easily and the big crowds expected for the remaining two games could play a role. The 50-year-old added:
"I think they've got a lot of depth. Even though the big names are not here. They thrive on pressure and big occasions. They thrive on big crowds because they’re used to playing in front of big crowds. With the conditions in Durban and Port Elizabeth, they might fancy themselves there. Like I said, the last two games, anything can happen, and I expect big scores. India has the depth there. It'll be a good test."
Team India are also the current World T20 champions as they beat South Africa in June to claim their second world title in the shortest format.