Australia vs South Africa: Preview, Dream11 and head-to-head records
What's the story
Australia will be eyeing to get the job done against South Africa in the match number 45 of the ICC World Cup 2019 on Saturday. The Aussies are in the hunt for a top-place finish and will need a win to guarantee the same. SA will want to make things difficult for Australia and end their campaign on a high. Here's the match preview.
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Head-to-head clashes between the two sides
The two teams have met each other on five occasions in the World Cup. Australia have a 3-1 advantage. One match ended in a tie. Their last two meetings were during the 2007 edition of the World Cup. Aussies won both those games.
Aussies
Australia won't be complacent against the Proteas
Australian coach Justin Langer has stated that the team won't be complacent against SA on Saturday. The Aussies will look to continue in the same vein and go about their plan. The defending champions have played solid all-round cricket and will make things difficult for the Proteas. The focus will be on Mitchell Starc, who has been in supreme form with the ball.
South Africa
South Africa need to produce a fight
South Africa had a poor World Cup campaign, but one cannot write them off. A win will help them bow out with seven points from nine matches. A lot of work will be required from Faf du Plessis and Hashim Amla with the bat. Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir hold the key with their bowling. SA will hope to end the resurgence of Aussies.
Dream11
Dream11: A strong side on offer here
David Warner and Aaron Finch are the openers of this Dream11 team. Senior cricketers Faf (vice-captain) and Amla provide the depth in batting. Aggressive wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey follows suit. Glenn Maxwell and Chris Morris are the two all-rounders. Pacer Mitchell Starc gets the captaincy nod. He is joined by Jason Behrendorff and Dwaine Pretorius. Imran Tahir is the lone main spinner.
Info
Pitch report, timing and predicted winners
According to reports, there is some slight drizzle expected in the morning. But things will clear out as the day progresses. The conditions will be cloudy. Teams batting first have won all games at Old Trafford in CWC 19. Aussies are clear favorites here. The match is set to start at 6:00 PM IST and will be telecast live on Star Sports Network.