Focus on Raina as T20I series begins

Johannesburg, February 17  

On a high after demolishing South Africa in the ODIs, an upbeat India will be aiming to tighten the noose around the beleaguered hosts when they square off in a three-match T20 series, starting here tomorrow. Having created history by thrashing South Africa 5-1 in the ODI series, Virat Kohli and his men will be looking to carry the form and intensity into the shortest format, with veteran Suresh Raina under the spotlight as he makes a comeback into the national team after a year.

India have fond memories of playing T20 cricket on South African soil as they won their first ever match in the shortest format in the Rainbow Nation back in 2006, followed by the historic World T20 triumph under Mahendra Singh Dhoni a year later. Since the 2017 Champions Trophy, India have played 10 T20Is, winning seven of them. 

Indian women gear up for twin glory

Johannesburg: The Indian women’s cricket team is on the cusp of setting a rare benchmark for their male counterparts as they eye a maiden double series win on South African soil when they take on the hosts in the third T20I here tomorrow. Having won the three-match ODI series 2-1, India are currently leading the five-match T20 series 2-0. A victory tomorrow will not only ensure an unassailable lead 3-0 lead but also make Harmanpreet Kaur’s team the first to win two series on a single tour of South Africa. — PTI