South Africa vs Zimbabwe: 1st ODI, Match Prediction- Who will win the match, South Africa or Zimbabwe?

South Africa and Zimbabwe are scheduled to play the first of the five-match ODI series tomorrow in Kimberley. The teams have had contrasting fortunes in the recent past. While the Proteas beat Sri Lanka 3-2 in their erstwhile five-match ODI series, the Zimbabweans slumped to a shambolic series whitewash against Sarfraz Ahmed’s Pakistan a few months ago.

JP Duminy and Co will be playing at home and it goes without saying that they are the favourites to win the first encounter. Moreover, they will be looking to get their combinations in place before the World Cup next year in England and Wales. The task for Zimbabwe won’t be easy by any means, but they undoubtedly have the potential to perform well.

Pitch

The Diamond Oval has more or less been favourable to the team batting second as only three out of 13 instances have a team been able to win after batting first. Hence it won’t spring a surprise if the teams opt to field first after winning the toss. All in all, a high scoring match can be expected.

Team Combination

South Africa

Dean Elgar, who replaced Hashim Amla, and Aiden Markram are the opening batsmen. Reeza Hendricks and Khaya Zondo come at number three and four respectively. The experience of JP Duminy at number five needs to come to the fore. Dale Steyn will make a comeback in ODI cricket and he will have Kagiso Rabada and Willem Mulder in the fast bowling department.

Predicted XI

Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Khaya Zondo, JP Duminy (C), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Willem Mulder, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

Zimbabwe

The return of Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams is expected to strengthen the team. Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire are the opening batsmen. Ryan Murray will keep wickets. Elton Chigumbura coming lower down the order will add depth to the batting. Kyle Jarvis, Donald Tiripano and Wellington Masakadza are the fast bowlers.

Predicted XI

Hamilton Masakadza (C), Solomon Mire, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Peter Moor, Sean Williams, Ryan Murray (wk), Elton Chigumbura, Wellington Masakadza, Kyle Jarvis, Donald Tiripano

Probable top performers

Dale Steyn- South Africa, Hamilton Masakadza- Zimbabwe

The prediction is for South Africa to win the match.