ICC World Cup 2019: Match 45, Australia vs South Africa: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Australia will face South Africa in the last league match of the 2019 World Cup in a bid to stay on top of the table. They will play against New Zealand in the first semi-final in that case on July 9 in Manchester. This is another dead rubber as the Proteas have been already knocked out of the tournament. But they would be eyeing to end their campaign on a high. This will also be the last appearance for few of their players at the event.

Australia have a minor injury concern with Glenn Maxwell but the coach Justin Langer is confident of him getting fit in time for the game. There might be a temptation to rest Mitchell Starc but the left-arm seamer would be eager to stay in the same vein ahead of the knockouts. In South Africa’s case, they are likely to play with the same XI which defeated Sri Lanka in the previous encounter.

Match Details

The 45th match of the ICC World Cup 2019 will be played between Australia and South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The match starts at 01:30 PM local time (12:30 PM GMT) (6:00 PM IST).

The game will be live on Star Sports. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Weather Report

There is a 20% chance of rain in the morning but this being the day-night encounter, it shouldn’t be a problem for the game to go ahead unscathed. It is likely to be cloudy for the rest of the day but there it won’t open up to ruin the match. The temperature is expected to hover around 20-22 Degrees Celsius during the match according to AccuWeather.

Pitch Report

The Old Trafford surface has produced decent scores in this World Cup. However, the surfaces throughout the United Kingdom are tiring out now and the pitch might get slow in the latter half of the match. The team winning the toss is expected to bat first which has been a trend in this World Cup.

Average first innings score: 323 (four matches at the venue in this World Cup).

Record of chasing teams: Won – 0; Lost – 4

Probable Playing XIs

Australia

David Warner, Aaron Finch (C), Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell/Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon.

Bench – Glenn Maxwell/Peter Handscomb, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile.

South Africa

Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, JP Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir.

Bench – Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi.

Team News

Glenn Maxwell got hit on his right forearm in the nets and didn’t train since then. He has been cleared off any fracture and the coach Langer is backing him to play this match.

Shaun Marsh has been ruled out of the tournament and Peter Handscomb has been named his replacement.

Power Picks

Faf Du Plessis vs Australia in ODIs:

Innings: 20

Runs: 980

Average: 51.57

100s: 4

50s: 3

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: David Warner, Faf du Plessis, Aaron Finch.

Vice-Captain Options: Rassie van der Dussen, Chris Morris, Mitchell Starc.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Wicket-keeper – Alex Carey

Batsmen – David Warner (C), Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen

All-Rounders – Marcus Stoinis, Chris Morris (VC)

Bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Jason Behrendorff, Imran Tahir.

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Grand/Mega Leagues:

Wicket-keeper – Alex Carey

Batsmen – Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen

All-Rounders – Chris Morris

Bowlers – Mitchell Starc (VC), Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada.

Expert Advice

Quinton de Kock is not in great touch and Behrendorff and Starc could prove too good for him. It is wise not to pick him.

Steve Smith is due for a big knock and with semis just around the corner, Australia’s best batsman could be eyeing a decent outing.

Probable Winners:

Australia are expected to win the match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.