South Africa v New Zealand 1st ODI preview: The rivalry moves to ODIs

South Africa v New Zealand 1st ODI preview: The rivalry  moves to ODIs: The 2-T20I series between South Africa and New Zealand, ended 1-1, as both New Zealand and South Africa won a match each. The 1^st ODI of a 3-match 50-over series between the Black Caps and the Proteas is to kick start tomorrow at Centurion. Both the teams will try their best to bounce back and win the series after sharing the T20I series trophy. South Africa v New Zealand has promised thrill and quality cricket with close calls and engrossing clash.

Here is the South Africa v New Zealand 1st ODI preview:

South Africa:

The star studded team of the Proteas with AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn back to the One-day side the South Africans with all their might will do their best to avenge the Kiwis who were the reason for their elimination from the World Cup finals.

The hosts although, are working in the absence of a few key players. Faf du Plessis, the cornerstone of the South African middle order will be missing following his knee injury. He was not a part of the T20I squad for the same reason, and is still struggling, and is more likely to miss all the 3 ODIs. Du Plessis will be replaced by Farhaan Behardien.

Absence of JP Duminy is another matter of concern for the Proteas, as he is on paternity leave. Rossouw, Miller and Behardien will have their chances to prove themselves and grab a prominent spot in the squad. Faf’s absence may cause a stability issue for the batting line up but the presence of Hashim Amla is a relief.

Baherdien was the only batsman to have scored more than 30 in the last T20I which is an aid for the hosts. Quinton de Kock, the wicket keeper and prominent member of the squad has been excluded due to his disappointing form in the past year and has made way for Morne Van Wyk in the team.

Dale Steyn along with seamer Vernon Philander will make a comeback in the One-day team. Morne Morkel who was a part of the T20 XI will miss the ODI as he too is expecting his first baby. In the spinner department Imran Tahir will be given a chance for the ODI series starting tomorrow. David Wiese and Aaron Phangiso have delivered with the ball in the T20I and can well make them a place in the ODI squad.

Last five ODIs: L L W L W

New Zealand:

Kane Williamson will lead the Kiwis, in the absence of the swashbuckler Brendon McCullum who has been rested for the series. Williamson and Martin Guptill have delivered splendid opening performance in the T20I against the Proteas, much is expected from the openers in the ODIs as well. Guptill will be the key opener, after the grand opening he provided to the New Zealand side in the T20I matches.

Ross Taylor will miss the series as he is suffering from groin injury, which happened during the practice session on the Zimbabwe tour. Ross missed the third ODI against Zimbabwe after hitting a century and is to miss the entire series against South Africa which is a big blow for the visitors taking in account his form this year.

Grant Elliot is an essential part of the middle order, but has failed to deliver the expected in the T20I series as his wicket came cheaply in both the matches. Tom Latham, has also failed to give his support to the middle order. The Kiwis are evidently lacking a middle order stability and support, after the openers provide the desired start.

The bowling attack seems strong with Micthell McClenaghan and Nathan McCullum back on attack after low show in the 1^st T20I. Ish Sodhi who was given a chance in the 2^nd T20I has proved himself worthy and may make it to the ODI squad.

James Neesham has done well with both the bat and ball which will benefit the New Zealand side. The Black Caps will try their best to bounce back winning the ODI series against a South Africa side that is working on it’s middle order.

Last five ODIs: W W L L L

Head to Head ODIs:

Matches Played: 62

NZ won: 21

SA won: 36

NR: 5

Highest run-scorer – Brendon McCullum (736) (New Zealand)

Highest wicket-taker – Morne Morkel (19) (South Africa)

Probable XI:

South Africa:

AB de Villiers (c), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Hashim Amla, Morne van Wyk (wk), David Miller, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn, David Wiese, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada.

Kane Williamson (c), Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot, Tom Latham, James Neesham, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum/ Ish Sodhi, Adam Milne, Martt Henry.