1st ODI Preview: Can India conquer white-ball leg against SA?
What's the story
India and South Africa are all set to clash in the opener of their three-match ODI series at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday. After a disappointing Test series whitewash, Team India is looking to bounce back. On the other hand, SA will aim to extend their winning streak on this tour. Here is the preview of the opening game.
Details
Pitch report and streaming details
The pitch at the JSCA International Stadium Complex is expected to be balanced with an edge for bowlers. The outfield is usually slow, making it difficult for batters to score freely. Spinners are likely to play a major role in the middle overs. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream it on the JioHotstar app/website (1:30pm IST).
Team dynamics
KL Rahul will lead the team
India's last ODI series against Australia ended in a 1-2 loss. However, Rohit Sharma's stellar performance earned him the Player of the Series award. Virat Kohli also scored a fifty in that series. With regular skipper Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer out injured, KL Rahul will lead the team. Rishabh Pant is likely to take over wicketkeeping duties. The hosts will also field a young and inexperienced pace-bowling attack.
Visitor's strategy
South Africa's recent ODI performance and team composition
South Africa, on the other hand, also had a disappointing outing in their last ODI series against Pakistan, losing two out of three matches. The Proteas will be led by Temba Bavuma with Quinton de Kock as wicketkeeper. Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, and Dewald Brevis are the other key batters in the team. Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi are the prominent names in the bowling department.
H2H
Here is the head-to-head record
As per ESPNcricinfo, the two teams have clashed 94 times in ODIs. India have collected 40 wins to South Africa's 51 (NR: 3). On Indian soil, the two teams have met 32 times. India own 18 wins (L14). Since 2006, India and South Africa have played 10 bilateral ODI series against each other with an even scoreline of 5-5.
Line-ups
Here are the probable XIs
India (Probable XI): Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh. South Africa (Probable XI): Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
Stats
Here are the key performers
Virat Kohli has scored a whopping 1,504 ODI runs against SA at an average of 65.39. Known for his versatility, Rahul averages over 55 while batting at four and five in the format. Batting sensation Matthew Breetzke averages a stunning 67.75 after nine ODI games. Quinton de Kock has returned with 1,077 runs against India at an average of 53.85. In 10 ODIs this year, Maharaj has scalped 17 wickets at an average of 27.76.
Poll
