SA vs IND 2018, 1st ODI - Match Prediction

After a sensational victory in the final Test at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Team India will be raring to go in the ODI series starting from tomorrow (February 1st) at the Kingsmead in Durban. It was a great comeback by India to register a victory in Johannesburg especially after losing the first couple of matches.

It was a terrific character shown by the Indians to bounce back so strongly and consolidate on their numero uno status in the Latest ICC Rankings. They proved yet again that why they are the No one side in the world.

However, when it comes to the limited-overs format, India has a very poor history of the Rainbow nation and has failed to win any of the bilateral series here.

They have come up with impressive performances in patches but have failed to put on some exceptional shows consistently over a period of five matches which has prevented them from winning an ODI series in South Africa. Given the current Indian team and the combination, they have a big opportunity to register their maiden ODI series triumph in the nation.

Team News

India

The Indian batting line-up is arguably the best in the world and with two openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan in terrific touch, India would back those openers to get them off to good starts on most occasions. Captain Virat Kohli has hinted playing Ajinkya Rahane on the No four slot in ODI’s which will not allow Shreyas Iyer to be part of the playing XI.

Iyer has been in good form coming into the South Africa series, but given his experience and abilities to play well in overseas conditions, Rahane might well be preferred ahead of Iyer. Hardik Pandya will be the sole all-rounder in the team while Yuzvendra Chahal is expected to be the preferred spinner ahead of Kuldeep Yadav. They are likely to play three pacers sans Pandya so we might see Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami bowl in tandem after a long time.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal

Team News

South Africa

The Proteas will be a pretty worried unit ahead of the ODI series primarily due to the absence of Mr 360, AB de Villiers who has an impressive record against India. The opening slot will get occupied by none other than Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock who boast of an impressive limited-overs record against the Men in Blue.

The return of Jean-Paul Duminy will add value to the middle-order while captain Faf du Plessis will have to take extra responsibilities in the middle order. The bowling line-up comprises of Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, Lungisani Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi and Khaya Zondo. Chris Morris is also there in the squad who is a terrific limited-overs all-rounder. In all likelihood, the four bowlers in the 1^st match will be Morkel, Rabada and Imran Tahir while Chris Morris will be lone the all-rounder.

Given the success of Lungisani Ngidi, he might also force his way into the Playing XI

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, Lungisani Ngidi

Match Predictions

Had it not been for the final Test, I would have preferred giving South Africa the edge in the opening ODI. However, after such a sensational performance by the Men in Blue, they will be raring to go in the opening ODI, and I have a gut feeling they will end up winning the opening clash.

Here’s the Newsfeed: 

IPL 2018: Sawai Man Singh Stadium Gets Ready to Host Rajasthan Royals Matches

Mohammad Kaif Impressed with the Sportsman Spirit Shown During India-Pakistan Clash