ICC World Cup 2019: Match 15, South Africa vs Windies, Preview – Caribbean pace challenge awaits bruised Proteas

Nothing has gone right for South Africa in the 2019 World Cup thus far, absolutely nothing. Faf du Plessis and Co lost their first match versus hosts England. Thereafter, Dale Steyn, one of their leading pacers, got ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Speedster Lungi Ngidi also pulled out in the match against Bangladesh. To add insult to injury, they lost at the hands of the Tigers to find themselves in a hole.

Thereafter, India rolled them over at the Rose Bowl in Southampton by seven wickets. In a quest to win their first match, the Proteas are next scheduled to lock horns with the Windies on Monday at the same venue. Another defeat would almost bring the curtains down on their journey. The Caribbean team, on the other hand, has won against Pakistan and lost to Australia in Nottingham.

Their fast bowlers have been venomous and in conditions, forecasted to be overcast, they could trouble the batsmen. The Proteas batsmen had their problems facing express pace versus India and the Windies pacers will be looking to exploit their shortcomings. In World Cups, South Africa has a 4-2 lead over their opponents with the latter last winning a game way back in the 2003 edition of the mega event.

Playing Combinations

South Africa

The Proteas may need to make one unforced change. Rassie van der Dussen is suffering from a groin injury and Aiden Markram may replace him. Quinton de Kock got a half-century in the first match, but couldn’t quite deliver in the last couple of matches. Hashim Amla’s form is a matter of concern. He came back into the side in the last match after recovering from a head injury.

Skipper Du Plessis got out against spin the last two games and he would be keen to work on that aspect. David Miller and JP Duminy aren’t in the best of forms but have the potential to get big scores under their belt. South Africa is most likely to persist with playing two spinners. There’s still no update on Ngidi and hence, Kagiso Rabada’s role is expected to be that much more crucial.

Probable XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (C), Aiden Markram/Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, JP Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Windies

The Windies may not make any alterations to their eleven even after losing versus the Aussies. Chris Gayle looked a tad troubled against Mitchell Starc and it showed his shortcoming while facing express pace. Evin Lewis will be looking to make amends after floundering last time. The left-handed Nicholas Pooran has looked promising in both the matches, batting at number four.

Shai Hope didn’t score in the first game but came back with a gutsy half-century in the previous encounter. Shimron Hetmyer has to pull up his socks too. The batting has the firepower with the likes of Andre Russell and Jason Holder in the ranks. The duo will also be required to deliver with the ball. The onus will be on Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell to get the early breakthroughs.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (C), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell.

Focus will be on

South Africa (Quinton de Kock)

The southpaw has had a stupendous year in the 50-overs format, having scored 570 runs in 11 matches at an average of 51.81. However, when it comes to playing against the Windies, he doesn’t have the greatest of records. In five games, De Kock has only got 123 runs at an average of 24.60, much lower than his career average of 45.22. He’ll be desperate to improve on the numbers.

Chris Gayle (Windies)

Gayle got a fifty versus Pakistan but didn’t have a great time against Australia. He tried to throw the kitchen sink at everything and eventually perished to Starc. He was given out thrice. In the first two times, the Decision Review System (DRS) came to his rescue. Nevertheless, he ran out of luck eventually. Against South Africa, he’ll be looking to be a little careful to start with.

Head to head

Matches played – 61 | South Africa won – 44 | Windies won – 15 | No result – 1 | Tied- 1

Stat Attack

73- Runs Shimron Hetmyer needs to complete 1,000 ODI runs.  

71- Runs Hashim Amla needs to become the fourth South African batsman with 8,000 ODI runs.

Broadcast details

TV – Star Sports

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local