SA vs IND: 1st ODI Preview – South Africa, India look to put World Cup scar behind

Having levelled the T20I series by 1-1, India and South Africa will next horns in a three-match ODI series beginning from Sunday, December 17 at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Notably, South Africa had an emphatic win over India the last time the two teams faced each other in an ODI series at their home as they whitewashed them 3-0.

The Proteas have had an upper hand over India in their ODI history having beaten them on 50 occasions out of the 38 times the two teams have faced each other. They even have an even better record on their home soil having emerged victorious 25 times out of the 37 matches played against India.

On the other hand, India have just won one ODI series in South Africa in 2018 where they beat the hosts by 5-1. The KL Rahul-led side will be eager to replicate that performance in the upcoming series and start a new chapter in India’s ODI history after the horrific loss in the ODI World Cup final. Meanwhile, South Africa will also look to start strong in the first ODI.

Pitch Report

Out of the last five matches played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting first. The average first innings score in Wanderers has been 295. While, the highest target chased at the venue is 435 by South Africa against Australia in March 2006. Johannesburg holds the reputation for being a great venue for chasing given its past record. Hence, the captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first.

Probable Playing XI