CWC 2019: SA vs IND Preview – Desperate Proteas seek turnaround against late entrants
The World Cup hasn’t begun yet. Well, at least for the Indian cricket fans. Team India played their last warm-up game against Bangladesh on May 28. Six days in, they are yet to start their campaign in one of the most ‘challenging’ World Cups.
Their first opponent will be a bruised and battered South African team. The Proteas had a horrible start to their World Cup, losing the opening game against hosts England. But it was the second loss against Bangladesh that would’ve hurt them even more. They’ll be desperate to turn things around. But, they will have their task cut out against a team that is rested, rejuvenated and much stronger on paper.
India though, cannot afford to take South Africa lightly, who are ridden with injuries and are yet to register their first win. They do, however, have the advantage of entering late in the competition having watched all teams play at least once.
Match info
South Africa vs India – 8th Match
The Rose Bowl, Southampton (03:00 PM)
Head-to-Head
With as less as 4 World Cup encounters between both teams, the odds are stacked in favour of the Proteas. They lead the head-t0-head battle with 3 wins, while India have a solitary victory.
Team tactics
It’s like South Africa have arrived for the World Cup, but something’s missing (except AB de Villiers, of course). With Dale Steyn out of the World Cup and Lungi Ngidi missing this fixture, they’re already in a soup. Though, Hashim Amla, who suffered a blow on his head in the opening match is back at the top. Skipper Faf du Plessis won’t be fretting just yet, but time’s running out and South Africa need a turnaround now. Simply put, they need to win at least five of their seven games to even dream of making it to the semis. But above all, South Africa need to get their team combination right amid the injury plague.
With overcast conditions expected at Southampton, the temptation of bowling three fast bowlers alongside Hardik Pandya will certainly cross Kohli’s mind. That means either one of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal could get the nod. Unless clear skies mean India go in with two wrist spinners. Ravindra Jadeja could also slot in ahead of the recovering Kedhar Jadhav. KL Rahul’s fine hundred in the last warm-up has pretty much sealed the debated No.4 spot for India. As evident in the warm-up game against New Zealand, the openers’ tryst with left-arm pace continues. But that won’t be a factor to consider as of now.
Key players
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): The Proteas would know that the key to getting India on the backfoot is dismantling their top order. Kagiso Rabada could just be the man to do that. With Steyn now completely out of the picture, much of the responsibility in the pace department will fall on Rabada’s young shoulders.
Since April 01 2015, Rabada has cleaned up Rohit Sharma on 4 occasions, Shikhar Dhawan on 3 and Virat Kohli on 2. Demolition.
Virat Kohli (India): As is the case in every other match, skipper Virat’s form will most definitely set the tone for India’s World Cup dream this year. Kohli’s ability to put the attack back on the bowlers is the most dangerous aspect of his batting. If he gets going, South Africa will need a miracle to escape.
Since April 01 2015, Kohli has scored 879 runs in 12 innings against South Africa at a staggering average of 109.87. Platform.
