Match Timing: 1 Nov 2023 14:00
Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Both South Africa and New Zealand have been in great form in this World Cup. South Africa lost only one match against the Netherlands which was one of the biggest upsets in this event. Barring that South Africa has been in great touch and has won 5 matches till now. They are on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals. Win against the Kiwis will book their place in the semi-finals.
Their bench strength is so good that Reeza Hendericks has to sit out despite being in great form. Their first-choice openers - Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma will look to provide good starts as they have been doing. The middle order led by Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaassen has the flexibility and the firepower to power them to a mammoth total. The only concern that remains will be how they would cope if put in to chase, especially after the closely fought game against Pakistan. The presence of Marco Jansen provides balance to the team, and their pace battery is certainly among the best going around. The twin spin of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi also are in good nick and can deliver if the need arises.
New Zealand will still be without their regular captain Kane Williamson. But even in the absence of the skipper the New Zealand team has been going strong with the likes of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell firing all cylinders in the batting department. It would be a test for the Kiwis to face the Proteas fire with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee bowling the thunderbolts. The middle order and lower order are certainly in good touch and can go big when the top order provides a good platform. One particular name that stands out here is Glenn Phillips, his spell of 3-37 in 10 overs against Australia was extremely good it makes it even better when you see that Australia scored 388 in 50 overs. Trent Boult and Mark Henry lead the pace attack; such is the quality of their attack that they have to keep a player of Tim Southee's caliber out of the team. Mitchell Santner is among the leading wicket-takers and will lead them in the spin department.
This match should be neck to neck with a slight advantage to South Africa as they have a more aggressive batting lineup.
Predicted XI:
South Africa
Quinton de Kock (Wicket-Keeper)
Temba Bavuma (Captain)
Rassie van der Dussen
Aiden Markram
Heinrich Klaassen
David Miller
Marco Jansen
Gerald Coetzee
Kagiso Rabada
Keshav Maharaj
Tabraiz Shamsi/Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand
Devon Conway
Will Young
Rachin Ravindra
Daryl Mitchell
Tom Latham (Captain & Wicket-Keeper)
Glenn Phillips
James Neesham
Mitchell Santner
Matt Henry
Trent Boult
Lockie Ferguson
Fantasy XI
Devon Conway
Quinton de Kock
Rachin Ravindra
Glenn Phillips
Daryl Mitchell
Heinrich Klaassen
Marco Jansen
Mitchell Santner
Trent Boult
Matt Henry
Gerald Coetzee
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