India-South Africa arrive in Odisha as Barabati Stadium gears for its first T20I in four and a half years

Odisha government are preparing for an electrifying encounter at the Barabat Stadium in Cuttack and have welcomed the players with much fanfare.

After their record chase against India in the first T20I international at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, South Africa arrived at Bhubaneshwar on June 10 for their second match of the series. The visitors, along with the Indian team will be based out of the capital of Odisha, but play in the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.

Fans gathered in large numbers at the airport, outside their hotel to get a glimpse of the international stars. The players were welcomed at the airport by members of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA).

The match is scheduled to be played on Sunday, 12 June. The game has seen heavy interest among fans and the demand for tickets has resulted in the police lathi-charging rowdy gatherings outside the stadium.

Director-General (DG) of Odisha Police SK Bansal along with senior officers of the police and the district administration took stock of the arrangements at the Barabati Stadium.

"All arrangements have been made to provide foolproof security to the players, and ensure a smooth match on Sunday and practice on Saturday. The preparations to make necessary arrangements started a month back," Bansal told reporters.

India will hope to make a strong comeback in the five-match series, hoping to turn the tables around in a ground which is generally quite well known for making batting wickets. India faltered in the tricky pitch of Kotla which had double bounce in the first six overs of Indian innings, something that halted their momentum. Although India managed to put a record 211 on board, they lost to an exceptional partnership between David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen who put 131* runs between them in just 64 balls.