After conceding their first two games, South Africa now run into a powerful, and fresh, Indian side, who open their ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign today in Southampton.
Match details
Match 08: India v South Africa
Venue: Hampshire Bowl, Southampton
Day: Wednesday, 5 June
Time: 02:30pm PST, 09:30am GMT
South Africa have had a tough initiation into this World Cup, suffering defeats in both their games so far, and it doesn’t get any easier as they face world No.2 India, who are one of the top contenders for the trophy. South Africa conceded totals of over 300 against both England and Bangladesh, but that is only to be expected in these conditions. Their batsmen, however, fell well short against England and, despite a much-improved performance against Bangladesh, still couldn’t take the team through. Against the quality of India’s attack, it calls for a huge step-up in that aspect of their game.
India have had a week to tune off and gear up for their opening encounter. South Africa are hurting after two defeats, while India are fresh and raring to go, and that only makes them more dangerous. India’s top-order failed to fire in both their warm-ups, which is a slight cause of concern, but they seem to have settled the No.4 debate at last. Their bowling is overflowing with potential, too, with Jasprit Bumrah growing from strength to strength, and their two wrist-spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, continuing to prove to be big wicket-takers.
Weather report:
Southampton will be cloudy, in keeping with the theme of the season. There could be light rain showers, although the chances of that happening are minimal.
Pitch report:
Despite chances of light rain amid cloudy weather in Southampton, underfoot conditions, though, should be extremely batting friendly. The last ODI at this venue, between England and Pakistan, produced 734 runs in 100 overs.