ICC World Cup 2019: Match 8, South Africa vs India, Preview – A long-lasting wait ends as Men in Blue finally get into action

The wait has been too long for India, who had to wait for almost a week to get started. Their opponents South Africa, on the other hand, will be playing their third game, which makes some people question the scheduling committee, but once India gets off and running, all of it will be forgotten soon.

The Asian sides have had mixed results thus far but none of them has a squad strength on parallel terms with India. It also looks like some of the tracks will be assisting the leg spinners a little, which should encourage the Indian skipper to play both his leg-spinners for this game. But the all-round option provided by Ravindra Jadeja will be very tempting.

South Africa now have to put on a real show to get back on track. They lost both their opening games and in their remaining seven, they will have to win a minimum of five to stay alive and relevant in the top four. They will come into this fixture more hungry for prey than the Indians and that could potentially have an impact on the end result.

Playing combinations

South Africa

Hashim Amla should be recovering for this game and he will replace Aiden Markram. The batting lineup has been hugely responsible for their two losses and Faf would be expecting some better decision making from his players. Van der Dussen and JP Duminy were impressive in the previous game. Dale Steyn has been ruled out and Dwaine Pretorius is expected to play who will partner Morris, Rabada and Phehlukwayo in the fast bowling unit. Tahir will be the lone spinner in the line-up.

Probable XI

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

India

One of the biggest confusion for the Indian side was who will bat at number 4, but with his hundred against Bangladesh, KL Rahul assured his place temporarily. Kedar Jadhav is fit to take part in this game and it will be a toss-up between him and Vijay Shankar. Kuldeep Yadav might partner Ravindra Jadeja in the bowling attack with Yuzvendra Chahal receiving the cold shoulder. Shami and Bumrah will be fast bowling options.

Probable XI

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), KL Rahul, Vijay Shankar/Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

Focus will be on

Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

Despite getting a half-century in the previous game, Faf du Plessis couldn’t steer South Africa to a win. He has been in terrific form and now that the team finds itself in such a precarious situation, the skipper has no choice but to lead from the front by example. He also is a good player against spin, which will be crucial against this Indian line-up.

Jasprit Bumrah (India)

One of the stalwarts of Indian cricket in this World Cup and perhaps their most important cricketer in these batting friendly conditions, Jasprit Bumrah will be playing his first World Cup game on Wednesday. The last time he played an ICC tournament game in England, he suffered a painful moment and will be desperate to turn things around this time.

Head to head

Total matches played – 83 | South Africa won – 46 | India won – 34 | No Result – 3

Stat Attack

50 – This will be Jasprit Bumrah’s 50th ODI in Indian colours.

2960 – David Miller needs 40 more runs to complete 3000 runs in ODI cricket having score 2960 thus far.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Live Streaming –  Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 Local