CWC 2019: AUS vs SA Preview – Fiery Aussies aim to seal top spot
Australia will face off against an already eliminated South Africa, aiming to seal the top spot when the two teams contest in the final match of the group stages at Old Trafford in Manchester. Though both teams have faced contrasting fortunes during their respective campaigns, neither of them would want to have that sinking feeling of a defeat. While Australia will look to build momentum with one eye on the semis, South Africa will play for personal pride in what has been a major rivalry in international cricket over the years. These factors ensure that the teams would give it their all when they take to the field at Old Trafford.
Match Info
Australia vs South Africa, 45th Match
Old Trafford, Manchester (6:00 pm IST)
Head-to-Head
Played – 99
Australia wins – 48
South Africa wins – 47
Tied – 3
N/R – 1
Team News
Australia
Australia have been highly-consistent throughout the tournament, without ever activating top gear. Their only loss so far has come against India, while they have managed to churn out victories against every other side. This makes them even a more dangerous proposition as there is a belief that they still haven’t peaked in the tournament, yet are managing register wins to their name. As far as their team composition goes, they have a settled unit. Shaun Marsh might have been given a look-in for the match, but he has been ruled out of the tournament with a forearm injury.
South Africa
The poor start to the tournament meant that the Proteas did not ever have a serious chance of qualifying for the semis. After being officially eliminated from the competition, they gave a much better impression of their true abilities in the match against Sri Lanka, sealing a comfortable 9-wicket win. They still do possess a lot of quality and match-winners in their ranks, which could seriously threaten the Australians. Yet this tournament should ideally mark the starting point where the Proteas clean up their house and embark upon a serious rebuild of their squad.
Key Players
David Warner (Australia): The fiery opener has been in sensational form at the World Cup. He enjoys an exceptional record against the Proteas, having scored 495 runs in 9 innings against them since 2015.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): For South Africa to have any hope in the match, they will need some early breakthroughs with the ball. They will rely on Kagiso Rabada, who has a good record against the Aussies, having picked up 16 wickets in 9 innings against them.
Probable XI
Australia: D Warner, Aaron Finch (c), U Khawaja, S Smith, G Maxwell, M Stoinis, A Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, P Cummins, A Zampa, J Behrendorff.
South Africa: H Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, A Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, A Phehlukwayo, D Pretorius, C Morris, K Rabada, I Tahir.
Stat Attack
- Mitchell Starc in just 4 wickets away from reaching 50 wickets in World Cups. He will be the fastest to achieve this record.
- David Warner has scored 22% of his runs through the cover region since 2015.
