SA v BAN, 1st ODI Preview: South Africa aim to emulate the Test series triumph against the Tigers

It was fairly one-way traffic in the Test series, but when South Africa and Bangladesh lock horns in the colored jerseys, things can be different. This is the format the Tigers fancy and this is the format where they’ve proven that they’re as good as anyone in the world. A bigger challenge awaits this time as they have to combat a sturdy Safari contingent.

Kimberly, often regarded as the home of diamonds, will be hosting the first encounter between these two sides. The Diamond Oval has historically assisted the bowlers a lot and even this year, the average first innings scores in List-A cricket at this venue is around 259. This gives us a picture of what we can expect from this encounter but given the Tigers succumb to the pressure of the occasion, the Proteas might end up scoring a 100 runs more than the average score this year.

Bangladesh has once got the better of South Africa in an ODI series a year ago and though the conditions would be different, skipper Faf du Plessis has mentioned it would be foolish to allow complacence into the dressing room. The visitors’ performance throughout the Test series was quite appalling and the fans palpably were disgusted. Nevertheless, here’s their shot at redemption.

Probable XI

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (capt), JP Duminy, AB de Villiers, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir

Bangladesh: Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

Focus will be on

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)

After an impressive rendition in the Test series, Kagiso Rabada will be up and running in the ODI series as well. The 22-year-old is quite a quick learner and the way he’s nurturing since the time he stepped in is indeed fascinating. The raw pace he is blessed with has blended magnificently with his hard work on hitting the right channels and the fraternity has been witnessing the results. Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s the biggest threat for the visitors on Sunday.

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

After missing out on the Test series, Shakib Al Hasan is back with the side and there can’t be a bigger boost for them than this. Arguably the greatest cricketer the country has ever produced, Shakib has played a pivotal role in their rise over the past few years. This series means a lot to the Tigers and his rendition will be imperative in determining the outcome.

Playing Combinations

South Africa

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla will embark the innings, with skipper Faf du Plessis promoting himself to the number 3 slot. Who else, but the king of carnages, AB de Villiers, will be back and itl be interesting to see if he gets the number 4 spot or not. JP Duminy and David Miller are the other experienced batsmen in the middle order.

Kagiso Rabada and Dwaine Pretorius will be taking the new ball and Andile Phehlukwayo might have to bowl a majority of his overs in the middle part of the innings. They have all-rounders like Wayne Parnell and JP Duminy, who can produce some magic moments when the team needs them. Imran Tahir will be the lone specialist spinner in the side.

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal will be missing out, which means Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das will open the innings. Mominul Haque will be coming in at three and the rest of the middle order duties will be over Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman and Mashrafe Mortaza.

Their bowling will be their key to success as the batting doesn’t look very strong. Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain will be the three operating fast bowlers. Skipper Mortaza might take the new ball and even if he fails, he has other decent options. Shakib Al Hasan will be the lone spinner, with part time options like Mahmudullah or Sabbir Rhaman might chip in for a few overs if needed.

StatAttack

100 – David Miller will be playing his 100th ODI and he becomes the 22nd South African to do so.

41 – Soumya Sarkar needs 41 runs to get past the 1000 run mark in ODIs.

90 – Sabbir Rahman needs 90 runs to complete 1000 ODI runs.