ICC World Cup 2019: Lungi Ngidi Doubtful Starter for Afghanistan Tie

South Africa’s fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is set to miss another World Cup match. Ngidi had suffered a hamstring injury against Bangladesh in South Africa’s second World Cup game. Subsequently, Ngidi went on to miss the clash against India and West Indies. In fact, it was expected the fast bowler will be ruled out for 10 days.

Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi bowled only four overs and he was forced to leave the field. In fact, Ngidi could not take any further part in the match against the Tigers. On the other hand, South Africa is already hampered by a plethora of injuries woes. The Proteas talisman fast bowler Dale Steyn was ruled out of the entire tournament with a shoulder injury and didn’t play any match in the ODI showpiece.

South Africa is in a do or die.

Furthermore, South Africa has lost three matches out of the four they have played in this World Cup. They are yet to get a win under their belt and they would seek to get off the mark against Afghanistan at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on 15th June.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis confirmed that there are fewer chances of Lungi Ngidi playing against Afghanistan. However, the team management will take the final call before the toss time.

“He is still doing some work, today and possibly even tomorrow,” Du Plessis confirmed in the pre-match press-conference..

“It’s a tricky one with hamstring strains, particularly with fast bowlers, to know when they are ready.

“We’ll make a decision on that tomorrow.”

On the other hand, Faf du Plessis hinted that if Lungi Ngidi fails to recover, Beuran Hendricks who is Dale Steyn’s replacement can make the cut into the team’s playing XI. The Proteas skipper stated that Hendricks is bowling with good momentum.

“It’s a tricky one because we’re in a position now where we have to win five games out of five, so you want to have your best guys available for selection,” he said.

“If he is not 100% or even 90% ready for the game and there is a bit of rain around … is it worth the risk?”

“Those are the conversations that we have been having, so it’s probably the right call if he is not ready to give him a little bit of time and see if he can play the next four games, which are obviously going to be big when we play against the bigger nations.

“Beuran is bowling nicely in the nets … he looks like he’s bowling very well.”

South Africa will face Afghanistan in a must-win contest at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.