South Africa vs Australia, 2020, 1st ODI: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Amid the resurgence of a new-look South Africa side under the leadership of Quinton de Kock, the Proteas missed out in clinching the T20I series against Australia due to their batting debacle in the final match of the series.

After suffering a 2-1 defeat in their previous T20I series against England, the Proteas side was expected to retaliate under the leadership of De Kock and topple the Aussies to mark the arrival of a reinforced South African side. However, to their disdain, South Africa suffered a massive 97-run defeat in the last T20 International.

The hosts undoubtedly raised the hopes of their fans– who were waiting for a series win– after clinching a narrow 12-run win in the second T20I of the series. However, the Proteas batting force bowed down against the fury of Ashton Agar and Mitchell Starc, who plucked three wickets each to decimate South African batsmen. A dominant Australian batting force had already established an upper edge in the match after amassing 193 runs on the scoreboard due to half-centuries by David Warner and Aaron Finch.

As the bandwagon moves towards the ODI series, the Proteas will be aiming to defeat Australia before their ship sails to the Indian shores next month. It will be a stern test for newly-appointed Quinton de Kock to prove his leadership and batting skills in both the series.

Australia, on the other hand, will be banking on the prolific form of their batting order. The presence of Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne will challenge the South African bowling unit. Mitchell Stac and Ashton Agar, who flaunted an excellent bowling spell in the last T20 International will be itching to prove their mettle in ODI series as well.

Pitch and Conditions

In the 11 ODIs played so far at the venue, the team batting first has been triumphant on six occasions. The track at Boland Park is expected to go in favour of batsmen, who can pile up big runs at this venue. Moreover, the game is expected to be a high-scoring affair considering the batting force of both sides. There are no chances of rain to intervene in the match as the weather is expected to be sunny with low levels of humidity.

Team Combination

South Africa

The absence of Van der Dussen and Du Plessis will be a major concern for the Proteas side. However, Janneman Malan, along with skipper Quinton de Kock, are expected to propel the South African batting force. After being sidelined from the T20I series, Temba Bavuma would also hope to bounce back on the stage.

The South African bowling force will be steered by Kagiso Rabada, who will be eager to prove his worth in the national team after failing to deliver consistent performances lately. The pace spearhead was scrutinized after he plucked only two wickets in his three T20Is against England. Rabada will be assisted by the likes of Ngidi and Shamsi in the South African bowling attack.

Probable XI – Quinton de Kock (c&wk), Reeza Hendricks/Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma, David Miller, Heinrich Klassen, JJ Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi/Keshav Maharaj

Australia

A robust top-order batting lineup is probably Australia biggest forte in the One-day Internationals. Along with the opening duo of Aaron Finch and David Warner, the Aussies also have Smith and Labuschagne in their arsenal. However, an inconsistent middle-order remains a concern for the visitors as they have Matthew Wade, Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh in their armoury. Josh Hazlewood is also expected to bolster their pace battery along with Cummins and Starc.

Probable XI: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood/Kane Richardson.

Probable Top Performers

Quinton de Kock – South Africa | David Warner – Australia

Broadcast details

TV – Sony Network

Live streaming – Sony Liv

Match Timings: 1:00 pm (local), 4:30 pm (IST)