A win in both the games so far would suggest a perfect start to India’s T20 World Cup campaign. Has it really been that perfect? Not quite.

In terms of batting, India do need to sort out an aspect or two as they go into Sunday’s Group 2 clash against South Africa in Perth.

Beating the Proteas and registering their third successive win would certainly firm up India’s chances of reaching the semi-finals. On paper, as well as form-wise, India appear to be better-placed than their opponents, whom they have already faced seven times in T20Is this year.

All those eight games were played in India and, importantly, the South Africans seemed to find the going to be quite tough at some venues where conditions had some assistance for the bowlers. It was only towards the end of last month when Arshdeep Singh had wrecked their top order in seamer-friendly conditions in Thiruvananthapuram.

The wicket at the Optus Stadium has a fair amount of bounce and carry, and isn’t a belter by any means. Besides, there has been a bit of rain in Perth over the last couple of days, including the match eve.

That could mean a little more assistance for the quicks, and considering South Africa’s fragile top order — especially skipper Temba Bavuma’s wretched form — Arshdeep and Bhuvneshwar Kumar again have a fair chance to make early inroads.

Having said that, the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje too can pack a punch with their pace. And make no mistake, they will surely be targeting KL Rahul, who appears a tad out of sorts of late.

The team management, though, still has faith in the opener. Asked if India could bring in Rishabh Pant at the top of the order in Rahul’s place, batting coach Vikram Rathour replied: “No, we’re not really thinking about that.

“Two games aren’t a good enough sample size anyway. He (Rahul) has been batting really well and he has batted really well in the practice games also.”

India certainly need a steady start from captain Rohit Sharma and Rahul even if they are unable to score at a quick rate in the Powerplay. Doing so would reduce at least a little bit of pressure on Virat Kohli at No.3 followed by the in-form Suryakumar Yadav.

Obviously, with Kohli having revived himself and Suryakumar batting with unbelievable rhythm, it’s the rival camps which should be much more worried. But these are Australian conditions where bowlers are never really out of the contest.

And if the Proteas bowlers are consistent with their lines, the task of India gaining the upper hand may not be too easy for Kohli and Suryakumar if the openers aren’t steady early on.

An engrossing encounter is on the cards.

(Top) Keshav Maharaj and (above) David Miller, in images posted on Twitter on Saturday, at practice ahead of South Africa’s T20 World Cup match against Rohit Sharma & Co. in Perth on Sunday. PTI photo

Pace vs power: Who has the edge

India and South Africa have met five times in T20 World Cups, but not since 2014. India have won four of those matches, including the semi-final in Mirpur. But such stats hold little value given the fickle nature of the format.

The ninth T20I between these sides this year will not only be the first outside of India but will also carry much higher stakes. The Telegraph takes a look at some of the matchups which could decide the outcome:

⚫ Rohit Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada

The India captain wasn’t too happy with his batting despite the half-century against The Netherlands. He will again face a tall task against the likes of Rabada on a Perth wicket which is expected to be help the quicks with pace, bounce and early swing on offer. This will be the second match on the ground on the day, following The Netherlands vs Pakistan tie. How Rohit and Co. come up against South Africa’s pace spearhead could be crucial to India’s batting.

⚫ Virat Kohli vs Marco Jansen

Indian cricket’s superstar has been in ominous form in this World Cup. South Africa have been toying with the idea of unleashing left-arm quick Jansen instead of either Lungi Ngidi or in place of all-rounder Wayne Parnell. Jansen has in the past troubled Kohli with his angle and swing and South Africa will be looking to make use of it again.

Kohli needs 28 runs to break Mahela Jayawardene’s record for the most runs in T20 World Cups, after going past Chris Gayle in the previous match.

The biggest stage is clearly motivating him to put on his biggest performances and Kohli knows well that another useful knock will guarantee India a place in the semi-finals.

⚫ Suryakumar Yadav vs Anrich Nortje

There is no way you can ignore Surya. He can change the course of any match with his innovative shot selection.

Nortje, one of the four fast bowlers South Africa are likely to unleash, will look to curb Surya’s instincts with pace and bounce.

The short ball is an obvious weapon on such surfaces, more so with the big square boundaries in Perth. Hard lengths will be the way to go and how Surya tackles the likes of Nortje on this surface will be interesting to watch.