South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI, Preview: Hosts keen to put up a clinical show to seal the series

South Africa will not be happy despite winning the series opener against Zimbabwe in Kimberley. They lost five wickets chasing down a meagre total of 118 runs and at one stage, the game could’ve gone either way with them struggling at 58/4. They were keen to giving everyone an opportunity in this series but an under-par effort from the top-order has made things a bit tough now.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, should concentrate on improving their batting which is supposed to be their stronger suit. The bowling attack looked potent against this South African side and one felt that a few more runs would’ve made the previous game interesting. The likes of Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams along with Craig Ervine and Hamilton Masakadza have to play a big knock to give bowlers some chance.

The Proteas bowling attack though is in the best possible space currently. Everyone including the all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Willem Mulder were among the wickets and there is a possibility of the team management trying out some of the benched players in this department before departing for Australia.

Team Combinations

South Africa

South Africa were looking to test their bench in this series. But a collective failure of their top order must’ve spoiled their plans. Aiden Markram should find his mojo soon and same is the case with Reeza Hendricks as Khaya Zondo is sitting in the wings who performed exceptionally well in the recent India tour for ‘A’ side. In the bowling department though either of Lungi Ngidi or Kagiso Rabada should make way for Dale Steyn’s comeback in the limited-overs format.

Probable XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), JP Duminy (c), Christiaan Jonker, Andile Phehlukwayo, Willem Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir

Zimbabwe

The visitors will look to guard against making any changes only after one match. All the batsmen in the line-up might get one more opportunity and a better performance is expected of them. The likes of Brandon Mavuta and Wellington Masakadza tied South Africa up nicely and they should look to do the same and build pressure on them. The batsmen, at any cost, have to score runs and support their bowlers. An unchanged XI is expected for this game.

Probable XI: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta

Focus will be on

Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)

Heinrich Klaasen proved his mettle against India earlier this year and ever since then, he has been on the radar. In the first ODI, the right-hander calmed the jangling nerves in the low chase and played a defining 44-run knock and looks in good shape at the moment. A big inning is around the corner for him and a high on confidence would be even more dangerous in the upcoming Australia tour.

Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe)

With the experience of 81 ODIs, Craig Ervine has been one of the finest batsmen for Zimbabwe over the years. Batting at number three, he should look to hold the innings together and play out the new ball to make it easy for the more experienced and talented middle-order to come. A lot will depend on how the Men in Red fare in the must-win game against the home side.

Head to Head

Matches – 39 | South Africa Won – 36; Zimbabwe Won – 2 | N/R – 1

Stat Attack

200 – Hamilton Masakadza will become only the fourth Zimbabwe player to feature in 200 ODIs when he will walk out for the toss in the second match.

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony Six, Sony Six HD

Live streaming– Sony LIV

Match Timings – 16:30 IST, Local Time 13:00

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