ODI World Cup 2023, Match 37: India vs South Africa Match Preview

India (IND) and South Africa (SA) lock horns in a top-of-the-table clash in the ODI World Cup 2023 on Sunday, November 5, at the iconic Eden Gardens.

India have been the best bowling side by a distance in the tournament. Meanwhile, South Africa's batting has been exhilarating as they have scored 428, 311, 399, 382, and 357 in the five games they have batted first. India have seven wins from as many matches, while the Proteas have won six and lost one so far in the tournament. The 'Men in Blue' booked their semi-final ticket with a whopping 302-run win against Sri Lanka in their last game. If South Africa manages to beat Rohit Sharma's men on Sunday, they will move to the top of the table and also qualify for the semis.

For India, veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been excellent with the bat. The former has scored 402 runs at 57.43, while the former India captain has amassed 442 at 88.40. Youngsters like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer scored majestic half-centuries against Sri Lanka and would be high on confidence. KL Rahul has also been in decent nick and his wicketkeeping is also improving by the day.

The bowling unit, which was already lethal, became even more special with the inclusion of Mohammed Shami. The 33-year-old has picked up 14 wickets in three matches, including two five-fors and mind-boggling average of 6.71. Jasprit Bumrah has led the bowling attack with flair, picking up 15 wickets in seven games at 14.60. Mohammed Siraj also made the new ball talk against Sri Lanka and that would do his confidence a world of good as he had not hit his straps prior to that encounter.

Quinton de Kock, who will be retiring from ODIs after the World Cup, has been in sublime touch, scoring 545 runs at an average of 77.86 and a strike rate of 112.60 in seven games to sit atop the run-scoring charts. Compatriot Aiden Markram has also been churning out the runs, averaging 60.33 after playing seven games with 362 runs. Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen are also averaging over 50.

On the bowling front, two young quicks, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee, have risen to the occasion. While Jansen has 16 wickets from seven games at 20.06, Coetzee has picked up 14 at 21.79. Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada also have 11 wickets each from seven and six games, respectively.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

IND vs SA, Eden Gardens Pitch and Conditions

Eden Gardens provides enough for both the batters as well as the bowlers. If the batters are willing to spend some time out in the middle, a lot of runs are there for the taking, with relatively small boundaries and a lightning-fast outfield. A balanced surface for two of the most balanced teams in the ODI World Cup 2023 could be the perfect ingredient for a Super Sunday.

IND vs SA Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 37

India (IND)

The only two players, who were struggling to find their feet in the marquee event, Shreyas Iyer and Mohammed Siraj, roared back to form in the previous game. India are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

South Africa (SA)

South Africa are also expected to go in with the same playing XI that annihilated New Zealand in Pune. Tabraiz Shamsi could only get a look in if the team management feels that there could be some assistance for the spinners. However, it is unlikely to be the case at the Eden Gardens.

IND vs SA Predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

IND vs SA Head-to-Head in ODIs: