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The 2nd game of the 5-match Unofficial ODI series between India A and South Africa A will be hosted by Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The match starts at 9:00 AM local time (IST) (3:30 AM GMT).
The game will be live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. Streaming available on Hotstar.
Preview:
India A began the unofficial ODI series against South Africa A with a thumping win in the first match. India were put in to bat by the visitors in the game reduced to 47 overs. Four of India A’s top five batsmen scored 25+ at a brisk pace but none managed to get a fifty. However, Shivam Dube (79* off 60) and Axar Patel (60* off 36) made at least 40 runs difference to the final score with their batting.
The duo made a mockery of South Africa A’s death bowling to add 121 for the 7th wicket in only 67 deliveries. Chasing a huge target of 328 in only 47 overs, Reeza Hendricks stepped up with a run-a-ball hundred. He scored 110 off 108 balls while Heinrich Klaasen struck 58 in only 43 balls. No other major contributions saw them getting wrapped up for 258 with Yuzvendra Chahal claiming a 5-wicket haul.
Weather Condition/Report:
There was a slight delay on Thursday due to the rain just before the start of play. As a result, the match was reduced to 47 overs per side. There could be little spells of drizzles during the 2nd ODI as scattered thunderstorms are predicted for Saturday. The drainage system is one of the best in the country which is positive news.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The Greenfield Stadium, in general, has a slow track but during the first ODI, it got quickened due to the rain in the morning. The South Africa A pacers failed to use the moisture. Once it got settled, the conditions were good for batting. As the day progressed, pitch began to wear out and spinners reap rewards.
Average first innings score: 206 (List A matches before this series)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 2
Team News:
(Will be added when there is an update)
Probable Playing XIs:
India A:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Anmolpreet Singh, Manish Pandey (C), Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed
Bench –Ricky Bhui, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Nitish Rana.
South Africa A:
Janneman Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne, Temba Bavuma (C), Khaya Zondo, Heinrich Klaasen, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Junior Dala, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje.
Bench –Matthew Breetzke, Theunis de Bruyn, Sinethemba Qeshile, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla.
Top Picks:
The wicket-keepers Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen could be key in this series. Kishan more often gets the 30s and 40s but in the presence of someone like Yuzvendra Chahal, he could add value with his glove work. Klaasen has a good record against Indian spinners and continue the same on Thursday.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain – Manish Pandey, Shubman Gill, Reeza Hendricks, Shivam Dube
Vice-Captain –Janneman Malan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Axar Patel, Heinrich Klaasen
The experience of Reeza Hendricks and Manish Pandey could make a difference for their teams. Reeza scored a hundred while Manish scored 39 during 1st ODI.
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper –Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen
Batsmen –Shubman Gill (VC), Reeza Hendricks (C), Janneman Malan, Manish Pandey
All-Rounders –Shivam Dube, Axar Patel
Bowlers –Bjorn Fortuin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Beuran Hendricks.
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper –Ishan Kishan
Batsmen –Manish Pandey (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan
All-Rounders –Shivam Dube (VC), Krunal Pandya, George Linde
Bowlers –Bjorn Fortuin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Junior Dala.
Expert Advice:
Khaya Zondo, who was in the squad for 4-day series, made an appearance in the first ODI. It is unsure if he was a replacement for any existing player.
On the other hand, India A might take a chance and rest Axar Patel since he is in the squad for the last two ODIs. Vijay Shankar could come in place of Axar. But keeping the conditions in mind, India A might continue the same combination for one more match.
Probable Winners:
India A is expected to take a 2-0 lead with another dominating performance.
*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.
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