South Africa vs India, 1st ODI - Match Predictions

The recently concluded Test series between South Africa and India will certainly go down as one of the best between these two sides ever. It was breathtaking, flabbergasting, and fantastic to watch both the sides work so hard to earn their rewards. Whilst South Africa managed to win the first two games by fine margins, the Indians pulled off an absolute thriller at the Wanderers.

Bid farewell to the white dresses, the good leaves, and the defensive strategies. It’s time for some action-packed limited-overs drama which most certainly will live up to the expectation. The hosts might have a sensational record in their backyard, but this Indian limited-overs side is one of the best in the world right now.

Although South Africa will enter this 6-match series as the favourites, the visitors taking the honours wouldn’t surprise many. Virat Kohli reigned supreme with the bat, not so much with his strategies. He still has some work to do there and if he can get everything in place, India might as well salvage one of their greatest results in ODI history.

Pitch Report

The first thing people can recollect when they think of Durban is the six sixes Yuvraj Singh hit. India have some great memories playing here. In the last five ODIs played at the Kingsmead, the lowest score batting first has been 279. Clearly, this is a belter of a track and a score above 290 wouldn’t be surprising. Toss will definitely be crucial here as the second half might be a little tricky for chasing.

Playing Combinations

South Africa

AB de Villiers will be out for the first three games, much to the disappointment of their fans. Khaya Zondo looks likely to get his first ever International game in the initial half of the series. Aiden Markram might slip to the number four spot to allow Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla to open the innings. Skipper Faf du Plessis should be taking the number three spot with David Miller and Chris Morris in the middle.

Lungi Ngidi might make his ODI debut at the Kingsmead. Morris, Rabada, Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo form a brilliant quartet while Imran Tahir will be the lone spinner for the game. This bowling attack will be a serious force to reckon with.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (Captain), Aiden Markram, Khaya Zondo, David Miller, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungisani Ngidi

India

Not many changes are expected in this Indian side, barring a few tweaks in the combination here and there. They might play just one spinner and Chahal would be the one in XI. Kuldeep Yadav will make way for Mohammed Shami, who’ll be constituting the quartet with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Kedar Jadhav is another decent bowling option.

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are India’s most trusted limited-overs opening pair right now. Team India will go ahead with them probably for the entire series. Virat will come in at three, with Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Jadhav and Pandya to follow.

Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (Captain), Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (WK), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Here is what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Probable Top Performers

Hashim Amla (South Africa) | Virat Kohli – (India)

Timing of the match: 4:30 pm IST, 11:00 am GMT, 1:00 pm Local Time

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six, Sony Ten 3 (Hindi Commentary)

Live streaming – SonyLIV

The prediction is that the toss will play a very crucial role, with the odds slightly favouring South Africa more than the visitors.