The hunt for the semi-finals is nearly over in Group A, but Group B still has plenty of drama in store, the first of which will unfold in the high-stakes contest between South Africa and Australia. Both teams have secured one victory each. Australia stunned England in what seemed to be a one-sided game in the latter’s favor. South Africa, on the other hand, silenced all the doubts about their form by comprehensively defeating Afghanistan. This game could go a long way in shaping the semi-finalists, but neither side will have it easy.
Australia could not have asked for a better start to their campaign. England had them pinned against the wall in the first innings but they staged a comeback only a team of their level is capable of. Had that game been part of a bilateral series, the same XI might have succumbed under the pressure of England’s 351-run total. But Australia in major tournaments are something else entirely and England were just unlucky to be caught in the storm. That said, there is no denying that much of Australia’s triumph owes to England’s costly errors. However, the Aussies should not expect South Africa to be as generous.
Team Overview:
Australia had one simple answer to the entire Alex Carey-Josh Inglis debate: play both of them. And what a masterstroke it turned out to be in their favor. Inglis and Carey rescued their team after they were left drifting at 136 with four men down.
But batting was not their biggest concern. The real test was to find how their second-string pace attack would hold up in such a contest. The decision to play Ben Dwarshuis ahead of Sean Abbott paid off well, and so they will think about sticking with the same combination against South Africa too. Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson went wicketless in the first game and if they want to make an impact on Pindi’s batter-friendly pitch, they’ll need to punch above their weight.
Top order? Firing. Middle order? Full of firepower. Bowlers? Lethal as can be. South African players hit all the right notes in their game against Afghanistan. And they did this without a few first-choice players. But fortunately for them, Heinrich Klaasen might be available to be selected for this game. If he returns, the batting line could undergo a rejig. It remains to be seen who will be left out for Klaasen. If it is Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma could come to open with Ryan Rickleton. South Africa are unlikely to tweak their bowling lineup, especially after how they halted Afghanistan batters.
Head-to-Head Record:
South Africa and Australia have crossed swords in 110 ODI games to date. Out of these, the Proteas have won 55 matches, while Australia follow closely behind with 51 wins. 4 games ended without any result.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Pindi’s pitch typically behaves as a belter but it did offer the bowlers something to work with in the game between Bangladesh and New Zealand. Dew also made an appearance in the later stages but could not do much to impact the game. The cooler weather in Rawalpindi would keep the pacers relevant too.
Prediction:
South Africa have a well-rounded squad, with nearly all of their regulars available but the world knows better than to underestimate Australia. The Proteas’ best bet against the Aussies would be to operate within the narrow margin for error.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, PTV Sport, Ten Sports, Myco App
India: Star Sports Network, Network 18, JioCinema App
UK: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Sky Sport App
Australia: PrimeVideo
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ, Sky Sports Now, Sky Go
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport Network
Bangladesh: Nagorik TV, T Sports, Toffee app
Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV, Sirasa TV
USA: Willow TV
Caribbean: ESPN Caribbean App
MENA: StarzPlay, CricLife Max, CricLife Max 2
