South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 3rd ODI, Preview: Faf du Plessis returns as the hosts eye a clean sweep

South Africa will look to rest some of their players.

Published - 05 Oct 2018, 19:25 IST | Updated - 05 Oct 2018, 19:25 IST

3 Min Read

South Africa haven’t been as clinical as they would’ve liked to do in this series. The management’s attempt to test their bench in the first couple of ODIs has completely gone wrong which might be the reason their regular skipper Faf du Plessis is returning to lead the side after recovering from his injury. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, have been an exceptional bowling unit so far without any support from their batsmen which has cost them the series already.

The dead rubber though gives them a chance to express themselves. The batters should come to the party and make it an even contest against the Proteas who have looked vulnerable big time. They had a great chance to level the series on a spiteful pitch but were bundled out for 78 chasing down 199 runs.

South Africa, on the other hand, will be definitely worried about the way their batsmen have fared so far. It was Dale Steyn‘s resurgence with the bat which saved them in Bloemfontein. But the likes of Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks should give more confidence to the management with the World Cup in the mind and this game will probably be their last chance to prove their mettle.

Team Combination

South Africa

Faf du Plessis will be back as the captain of the team and he will possibly bat at five which he normally does. Khaya Zondo might make way for him which paves way for Dean Elgar to retain his place for just one more game. Imran Tahir and Lungi Ngidi might be rested for this dead rubber. Kagiso Rabada should make his return while Tabraiz Shamsi might get a chance.

Probable XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), JP Duminy, Christiaan Jonker, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Tabraiz Shamsi

Zimbabwe

Soloman Mire has been uncharacteristically out of form and will sit out of this encounter it seems. Tinashe Kamunhukamwe may replace him and he will open with the skipper Hamilton Masakadza. The likes of Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine have not at all fired and should find a way to score runs. The bowling attack comprising Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Brandon Mavuta has done exceptionally well and should play in the last ODI again.

Probable XI: Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Hamilton Mazakadza, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Brandon Mavuta, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara

Focus will be on

Faf du Plessis (South Africa)

Undoubtedly, Faf du Plessis will be looking to get into his groove before the Australia series. The fact that Zimbabwe have been bowling extremely well will test him throughout before the big series. However, the captain needs to lead from the front given the form of the other batsmen. His match fitness will also be tested and Proteas will need their best batsmen to come to the fore at the moment.

Kyle Jarvis (Zimbabwe)

Kyle Jarvis was at his menacing best in the last match. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing side the other day and will be raring to better his last game performance one last time. The new ball does a bit in the rainbow nation and Jarvis exploits it better than anyone else.