640Views

The underdogs South Africa defeated fancied India. Our prediction of Marco Jensen proved to be true. The failure of Indian batsmen- Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank, and Ajinkya Rahane proved to be correct.

Now team India is set to play a three-match ODI series, starting this Wednesday. The last time the sides faced 2018, India crushed South Africa 5-1. What could be even more exciting for the Indian followers is that this thumping win came after a failure in the Test series. Can India replicate the comeback?

In 2021, India had played only 6 ODIs during the whole year and 2022 is better as India is going to play 15 matches. This is important as India is viewing this year as preparation for World Cup 2023.

Match timings

Match Toss Time: 13:30 IST (10:00 Local)

Match Start Time: 14:00 IST (10:30 Local)

Head to head

Matches Played: 84, India: 35, South Africa: 46, N/R: 3

Venue and conditions

Boland Park is the venue for the first two ODIs.The record of South Africa is good and they beat Australia, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh in their last three encounters at this lively venue. India managed to beat Kenya and tied with Zimbabwe at this venue.

The pitch is lively and offers pace and bounce so keeping two spinners is a luxury but South Africa has been doing that by keeping Maharaj and Shamsi. 

Team news

Keeping the 2023 World cup in mind Rohit Sharma was made captain, however, in his absence, his deputy KL Rahul is set to lead India in the 50-over format for the first time.

Openers should be Ruturaj and KL Rahul. However, given Shikhar Dhawan’s experience and incredible record against the Rainbow nation, he is likely to get the thumbs up. Virat Kohli,  Shreyas Iyer, and Suryakumar Yadav are expected to follow the openers.

The pacers will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit, and Deepak Chahar. The spin attack is likely to have Chahal and Ashwin. Now it is a toss-up between Shardul Thakur and Venkatesh. However, given the latest press meet by KL Rahul, Venkatesh Iyer is expected to make the cut.

South Africa: Openers will be Aiden Markram and Janneman Malan. Skipper Temba Bavuma, Van Dussen, and David Miller will follow. The wicket-keeper batsman Quinton De Kock who recently announced his retirement from the longest format will be hoping he can continue his exceptional form in the limited-overs.

The spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been rested for this series in order to manage his workload and there will be no surprises on his replacement as Sisanda Magala is the only other available pacer in the squad.

Probable playing Xl

India (IND): Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

South Africa (SA): Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Sisanda Magala, Tabraiz Shamsi

Toss

Chasing in South Africa is a better option, firstly fresh pitch has some juice for pace bowlers. Secondly, rain is a factor so the duck-worth lewis system aids the chasers. Win the toss and chase should be the mantra.

Prediction

We are of the opinion that Indian spinners will play a crucial role in winning matches for India. Former skipper Kohli can not fall prey to negative bowling which he experienced in Tests so the bowlers will target that range and Kohli is likely to capitalize. The Test series was once again an example to show how important is to pick the right combination. 

The return of veteran opener Dhawan and the mixture of young talents like Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer do give the visitors an edge in this format.

Criciwzz predicts India to win the 1st ODI and lead the three-match series, 1-0.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the article are those of the author's view and do not necessarily reflect the official match scores, proceedings, or position of the match in any way.