ICC World Cup 2019: Match 45, Australia vs South Africa, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Australia is currently on top of the points table with 14 points from eight matches. Going into their last league match of the 2019 World Cup, the Aussies have the chance of finishing at the helm of the ladder. Aaron Finch and Co have a Net Run Rate of +1.000, which shows the domination the team has had. Their final encounter is versus a struggling South Africa on July 6 at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

In the previous game, Australia thumped New Zealand by 86 runs and must be high on confidence. The Proteas, on the other hand, got eliminated after their defeat at the hands of Pakistan at Lord’s. Faf du Plessis’ men salvaged some pride, beating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in Chester-le-Street. Though it won’t hold any importance, South Africa would wish to bow out on a high, beating the table toppers.

Weather Report

There are chances of rain in the morning. But from 1:30 PM, the rain is most likely to stay away. The sun will play hide and seek and the clouds will be dominant throughout the duration of the match. The temperature will be around 18 degrees Celsius in the beginning and will come down to as low as 12 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be on the higher side.

Pitch Report

The venue has been a witness to four matches and all of them were won by the team batting first. Barring the New Zealand-Windies match, the chasing teams lost games by 89, 150 and 125 runs respectively. Hence it won’t be a surprise if the teams, opt to bat first after winning the toss. The pitch has been good for batting and a high-scoring match can be expected tomorrow.

Team Combinations

Australia

The Aussies may rest Glenn Maxwell, who was smacked in the forearm in the nets session. If he doesn’t play then Peter Handscomb is likely to replace him. Maxwell has been cleared off any serious injury though. Shaun Marsh has also been ruled out after getting hit on the wrist by Pat Cummins. David Warner and Aaron Finch have been outstanding with 516 and 504 runs respectively.

Usman Khawaja has gotten a couple of 80s in the last three matches and is in good form. Marcus Stoinis hasn’t had much to do with the bat, but he has contributed with the ball with seven wickets. Steve Smith and Alex Carey have done their job pretty efficiently as well. In the bowling unit, Mitchell Starc has been the standout with 24 wickets. Cummins has lent him good support with 12 wickets.

Probable XI

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

South Africa

The Proteas beat the Lankans and may not wish to change their combination. Quinton de Kock started the tournament well but lost momentum gradually. Hashim Amla notched an unbeaten 80 the last time. Unfortunately, he wasn’t at his best when the Proteas needed his services badly. Faf du Plessis scored 287 runs at 57.40, but even he has had his difficulties during the World Cup.

Rassie van der Dussen has batted only five times and he has scored 216 runs at 54. JP Duminy got 45 in the first game and then his campaign fell apart. Phehlukwayo has done well with 129 runs and nine wickets. Chris Morris is their leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets. Kagiso Rabada has blown hot and cold, though he got two wickets in the last game. Imran Tahir has been more than effective.

Probable XI

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

Probable Top Performer

Australia  – David Warner  | South Africa  — Faf du Plessis

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 18:00 IST; 13:30 local

The prediction is for Australia to win the match.