South Africa's fixtures in ICC World Cup 2015

South Africa’s fixtures in ICC World Cup 2015: With the Cricket World Cup 2015, less than 60 days away from now, all eyes will be on the Proteas, as they look to shed their chokers tag. They have been pooled in Group B alongside minnows Zimbabwe, defending champions India, inconsistent West Indies, associates Ireland, self-destructive Pakistan and qualifiers, United Arab Emirates. South Africa is in good form off late and it won’t be a surprise if the South Africans go on to take the trophy.

1. 3rd Match: South Africa vs Zimbabwe (Seddon Park, Hamilton) on February 15, 2015

The Proteas kick-start their campaign on February 15, 2015 against their African neighbours, Zimbabwe. They have always been clinical in the earlier stages of World Cup and getting past the minnows won’t be a big task for them.

2. 13th Match: India vs South Africa (Melbourne Cricket Ground) on February 22, 2015

A week later, they face the defending champions, India, travelling all the way from Hamilton to Melbourne for a Super Sunday encounter. When the two teams met the last time at this stage, South Africa managed to get past India by 2 wickets in Nagpur in 2011. Given the sub-tropical conditions and bouncy wickets of Melbourne, South Africa may have the upper hand against the Indians here.

3. 19th Match: South Africa vs West Indies (Sydney Cricket Ground) on February 27, 2015

They next face West Indies after a gap of 5 days in Sydney. West Indies, touted as the dark horses of the tournament may give South Africa some hard time with their hard hitters, Gayle, Smith and Pollard. The task will be up for Steyn, Morkel and Philander to ensure that no damage is caused.

4. 24th Match: Ireland vs South Africa (Manuka Oval, Canberra) on March 3, 2015

The Proteas then make their way to the Australian capital, Canberra to play the associates Ireland, who are famous for pulling big upsets in the tournament. But when the last time they met in World Cup, South Africa pulled off the win easily. With the conditions favouring both the sides, South Africa go with an upper hand in the game.

5. 29th Match: Pakistan vs South Africa (Eden Park, Auckland) on March 7, 2015

The South Africans take their flight back to New Zealand after 3 games in Australia to play another team from sub-continent, Pakistan. Pakistan has been in good form off late now but their recent form in limited overs is a bit of a concern. It will another match where both the teams will fight their hearts out, but South Africa will go in as pre-favourites.

6. 36th Match: South Africa vs United Arab Emirates (WestPac Stadium, Wellington) on March 12, 2015

Finally, the Proteas finish their group leg campaign on March 12, 2015 as they travel to the capital of New Zealand to face the qualifiers, United Arab Emirates. Given the quality of their opposition, South Africa will look to finish their group stage campaign on a high.

Note: All matches are Day-Night matches. The matches in Australia will start at 2.30 PM Local Time, whereas the matches in New Zealand will start at 2 PM Local Time.

It is expected that South Africa will finish either 1st or 2nd in the group, and if the assumption stands true, they will face either the 4th placed or the 3rd placed team from Pool A. Expectations will be huge on South Africa as they are entering the tournament as one of the favourites to win the trophy.