SA v Eng 5th ODI Preview: Even chance for Morgan and de Villiers to grab the series

In a series that seemed dusted, South Africa has brought life into it by winning back to back matches and setting the tone for the final ODI. Chris Morris being the hero for the home team as they won the 4th ODI by just one wicket. Now both the teams head to Newlands for the final showdown to win the trophy.

England seemed to be well poised with a 2-0 lead, but South Africa have come back really hard and made it count before it was too late. Now with the series levelled square, Cape Town seems set for a humdinger of a contest between the two stalwart teams.

South Africa:

After failing in the first two games, South Africa have bounced back strongly and firmly. Their bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott have been in a great form and even the top order with Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock looks quite solid. Morris’ spectacular performance in the last game would be another booster for them.

However, they will be concerned about the form of Duminy and Behardien in the end. Rossouw might eventually replace Behardien as that will give an extra edge to their batting lineup. If South Africa win, it would be regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the game, from going down 0-2 to winning 3-2.

England:

They have had their chances in both the games they have lost. While they were outplayed by Amla and de Kock in the third game, Morris stole another victory from them in the last game.

England’s bowling has turned out be their weakness in both the games. Surprisingly, Stuart Broad was the only blemish in the last game. Though Alex Hales and Joe Root have been in good form, their middle order looked a little vulnerable as they collapsed from 87/1 to 108/6 in the last game.

The visitors will look to win key moments which they’ve failed to, in the last 2 games. Also, captain Eoin Morgan will be hell bent to prove his rather odd batting form. If England win, they will become the first team to win a double series i.e both Tests and ODIs, in South Africa in 14 years.

Probable XIs:

South Africa:

Hashim Amla, Quinton De Kock, Faf Du Plessis, AB De Villiers, Jean Paul Duminy, Rilee Rossouw, Chris Morris, David Wiese, Kyle Abbott, Imran Tahir.

England:

Jason Roy, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, David Willey, Reece Topley.

Pitch:

This will be the first ODI at the venue after more than 2 years. The pitch seems quite flat and great for batting. However, it might also offer turn later in the game. Get ready for another high scoring thriller.

By Hitman Cricket