Published: Oct 05, 2016, 08:37 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 05, 2016, 08:38 AM (IST)
The third One-Day International (ODI) of the five-match series between South Africa and Australia is scheduled to be played at Durban on Wednesday. It’s a do-or-die situation for the visitors as they have already first two games and another loss here would simply result in a series loss As South Africa have a healthy lead of 2-0 in the series. South Africa played with unmatched confidence in the first two games and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that they have dominated the series so far. Australia looked bereft of oomph and didn’t have any clue whatsoever. The first game was a classy display of valiant batsmanship by Quinton de Kock who steal the show with his flawless hitting and exquisite timing. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs Australia, third ODI at Durban
The second ODI was a collective effort by the South African team as their batsman and bowlers both did a commendable job to win the game by 142 runs. Faf du Plessis scored a tenacious century after which the bowlers did the job and clinched a scintillating victory. They are high on confidence and will be the team to beat henceforth while Australia who are languishing at the moment have a mountain to climb at Durban. They lack experience in the bowling department, which is putting extra pressure on the batting department. With the third ODI being a series decider for the visitors, one can expect them to come out all guns blazing as they have nothing to lose at Durban. Rilee Rossouw also has been in great form and has delivered on a consistent basis at the top.
Australia have some serious depth in the batting but are yet to click as a unit. The likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Aaron Finch, George Bailey and Mitchell Marsh inspire immense confidence. Their established pace bowlers have been rested but one can expect them to turn the tide in the third game at Durban. South Africa on the other hand have a well-balanced team in the absence of AB de Villiers. Faf du Plessis have led the team well and has done it with example. Their batting has clicked and delivered so far, with the top-order being their primary weapon. The pace attack has wears dominant look with a firing Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Andile Phehlukwayo and Wayne Parnell while Imran Tahir has been lone spinner in the side. South Africa are eyeing to seal the series with another win and further eye for a whitewash, which will look achievable if they manage to win this. The match is expected to be a thriller and the result of the game will be highly dependent on few key battles as follows. READ: South Africa vs Australia: David Warner blames top order for consecutive defeats
Faf du Plessis vs John Hastings: Du Plessis is the man if form for South Africa and played a determined innings in the second game. The skipper has led the team well and his early dismissal will in a sense also reflect in his captaincy. He has been instrumental in the South African batting line-up. John Hastings on the other hand has been the most successful Australian bowler and carries adequate amount of experience on his shoulder. He will have a task in hand in getting rid of the South African skipper and further steer his team to a dominating position. His ability to generate that extra hint of bounce from the surface could come handy at Durban.
Quinton de Kock vs Chris Tremain: De Kock played his best ODI innings in the first game and looked unstoppable out in the middle. He played valiantly and looked in good rhythm int he second game as well. De Kock’ early dismissal is always a boon for the opposition and Australia will be certainly looking forward to it. Chris Tremain has not delivered so far and will look to make an impact in this game. It’s a golden opportunity for him to scalp the key wicket with his pace and get his side an early breakthrough.
Steve Smith vs Dale Steyn: Australian skipper is yet to contribute in the series so far and it has been affecting his side massively. He is the spine of the Australian batting line up and his success influences the rest of the batsmen. He has looked out of form and will certainly look to make an impact in third game. Dale Steyn bowled a beauty to get rid of Smith in the second game and will eye to replicate his magical performance and add more misery to Smith’s miserable run. His ability to get the ball away from the right-hander could troubble Smith, as it has also been his weakness and the duo also share their fair bit of rivalry.
Rilee Rossouw vs Mitchell Marsh: Rossouw has been the silent assailant in the couple of matches so far and has scored runs on a consistent basis. He played well in both the games but the centurions walked away with all the glory. Rossouw’s early fall will put South Africa under pressure, which is exactly what Australia will be looking at the moment. Marsh has been astute with his mine and length and the battle between the two will be the one to look out for.
George Bailey vs Imran Tahir: Bailey after a hard fought knock in the first game failed to deliver in the second encounter. He is a reliable batsman and one can expect him to bail the team out in crisis. He is versatile and can shift gears after getting his eyes in. Tahir has been wily with his leg-spin but the pacers have done the job for South Africa in the series so far. Tahir will look to get the ball way from the right-hander and test his Achilles Heels with some googlies.
David Warner vs Kagiso Rabada: Warner’s ability at the top is well-known, he can put the opposition under fire with his flawless hitting and ability to take on the field in the powerplay overs. Warner can garner some quick runs at the top and the duty to stop him from doing so will be of Kagiso Rabada’s. He has been bowling in good rhythm and has been right on the money.
As of now, all eyes are set on Durban as the third game is about to kick start.
(Suraj Choudhari is a reporter with Criclife and CricketCountry. He is an avid follower of the game, and plays the sport at club level. He has a radical understanding about the subtle nuances and intricacies of cricket, and tries to express it through paper and pen.)
