South Africa vs Zimbabwe: 2nd ODI, Match Prediction- Who will win the match, South Africa or Zimbabwe?

In the opening contest at Diamond Oval in Kimberley, Zimbabwe strained hard with the leather, but a lacklustre batting performance meant that South Arica took an important 1-0 lead courtesy of a five-wicket victory. The second match is scheduled to be played tomorrow at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and another defeat for the visitors would make the last three matches must win ones.

Moreover, Hamilton Masakadza and Co would be disappointed for the reason that they folded for their lowest ever ODI score against South Africa in spite of having their big guns back in the squad. On the other hand, JP Duminy’s men despite the victory would be a tad worried about the batting performance, which wasn’t top notch in the last encounter by any stretch of the imagination.

Pitch

The pitch is expected to have good carry and bounce and the Proteas’ bowlers would be keen to take advantage of the conditions. Out of 26 completed matches at the venue, 14 of them have been won by the team batting second. In the meantime, Duminy’s team won’t mind bowling first, which presents another opportunity for their bowlers to bowl the Zimbabweans out cheaply.

Team Combination

South Africa

The Proteas are likely to go with the same eleven, Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram are the opening batters with Reeza Hendricks to follow. Heinrich Klaasen would want to carry over his rich vein of form. Christian Jonker would get his second match. The captain would come in the lower-middle order. The pace department has Kagiso Rabada and Lungi along with spinner Imran Tahir.

Predicted XI

Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Christian Jonker, JP Duminy (C), Willem Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe fielded the best eleven and they are unlikely to change their lineup. Hamilton Masakadza and Solomon Mire are the openers with the experience of Brendan Taylor coming in at number four. Craig Ervine, Peter Moor, and Sean Williams are slotted at number three, five and six respectively. Tendai Chatara and Kyle Jarvis are the pacers with Mavuta and W Masakadza as the spinners.

Predicted XI

Hamilton Masakadza (C), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wk), Peter Moor, Sean Williams, Elton Chigumbura, Wellington Masakadza, Brandon Mavuta, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara

Probable top performers

Aiden Markram- South Africa, Brendan Taylor- Zimbabwe

The prediction is for South Africa to win the match.