South Africa vs Australia, 2020, 2nd ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The second game of the three-match One-day International series between South Africa and Australia will be played at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

The match starts at 01:00 PM local time (08:00AM GMT) (04:30 PM IST). This match will be live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live Streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

After getting absolutely hammered by the Australians in the three-match T20I series where they were subjected to two of their worst defeats, the Quinton de Kock-led Proteas pulled off an equally comprehensive 74-run-win in Paarl ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match rubber.

That the South Africans were able to stage a fightback despite having their top-order knocked over by Mitchell Starc and Australia’s new-ball bowlers was largely because of a maiden century from Henrich Klaasen (123*) and able contributions from debutant Kyle Verreyene (48) and David Miller (64), propelling them to 7-291 after 50 overs.

With their middle-order largely inexperienced, Australia’s chances of chasing down the total hinged on their top-4. Steve Smith [76] and Marnus Labuschagne [41] stitched a valiant 86-run-stand after the dismissal of openers- David Warner and Aaron Finch- but the trial by spin courtesy Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj- was too hot to handle on a two-paced Paarl track.

Maharaj broke the 86-run-stand by dismissing Labuschagne and once again Australia’s soft underbelly-their middle-order- was exposed to the hilt as the visitors lost their last six wickets for 43 runs to get bowled out for 217. It is not the first time that South Africa have taken a lead in a series, but will they will be able to capitalise on it, or will the Aussies make a resounding comeback? We’ll wait and see as another trial by spin awaits the visitors.

Weather Condition/Report

Another bright sunny day is expected to be the order of the day in Bloemfontein on Wednesday if the weather reports are to be believed. According to the report, the temperature is set to fluctuate between 16-27 degrees Celsius while the humidity is set to hover around 45%. Chances of rain- 0℅

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch at the Mangaung Oval has traditionally provided a fair balance between bat and ball. Both pacers (average- 34.56) and spinners (34.32) have had equal say at the proceedings. The pitch tends to get slow in the second half and the spinners might once again come into play.

Average first innings score: 238 (In 30 ODIs played at the venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 15, Lost – 13, NR – 2

Injury and Availability News

(Will be shared when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XIs

South Africa

Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, David Miller, Heinrich Klassen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bench: JJ Smuts, Beuran Henricks Lutho Sipamla

Australia

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Marsh/Ashton Agar, D’Arcy Short, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Bench – Kane Richardson, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Marsh/Ashton Agar

Top Picks: 

South Africa: Quinton de Kock endured a rare failure in the last game but he’ll be pleased with the way Henrich Klaasen (123) spearheaded the middle-order with a brilliant hundred and the likes of Kyle Verreynne (48) and David Miller (63) supported him to take the score to 7-291.

The Proteas will hope that the batting unit can fire in unison in Bloemfontein. As far as bowling is concerned, the duo of Nortje [2-39], Ngidi [3-30] bowled brilliantly at the start and the death while Keshav Maharaj [1-48] and Tabraiz Shamsi [2-45] put a stranglehold on the Aussie middle-order; something they are expected to do again in the second ODI.

Australia: The Aussies will depend heavily on their top-4- David Warner [25], Aaron Finch [10], Steven Smith [76] and Marnus Labuschagne [41]- to do the bulk of the scoring. Mitchell Starc [2-59] and Pat Cummins [3-45] were the pick of the bowlers in the last game.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Quinton de Kock, David Warner, Aaron Finch

Vice-Captain – Steven Smith, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Miller

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Kyle Verreynne, Quinton de Kock (VC)

Batsmen –  David Warner (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Henrich Klaasen, Steve Smith

All-Rounders-  Keshav Maharaj

Bowlers- Mitchell Starc, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Adam Zampa

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock, Alex Carey

Batsmen –  Aaron Finch (VC), Temba Bavuma, Marnus Labuschagne, David Miller, Henrich Klaasen (C)

All-Rounders-  Andile Phehlukwayo

Bowlers- Mitchell Starc, Anrich Nortje, Pat Cummins

Experts Advice

Australia struggled against the spin of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi. Expect the duo to test them again in Bloemfontein. Hence, opting for them in your fantasy XI could be worth a punt.

Probable Winners

Australia is expected to come out as winners.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.