Published: Feb 13, 2016, 06:41 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 13, 2016, 06:03 PM (IST)
Having witnessed one of the closest One-Day International (ODI) matches in recent memory, just a day before, we embrace upon Cape Town for the conclusion of the five-match ODI series between South Africa and England on February 14, Sunday. Both teams played a thrilling encounter at Johannesburg, as the hosts inched victory out of the jaws of defeat, winning the match by just — and I repeat, just — one wicket, after a spirited performance by Chris Morris helped his team level the series at two apiece. Match No. 5 in all likelihood will be another close affair with both teams eyeing series victory, more so South Africa, having lost the Test series earlier. With the Twenty20 International (T20I) series coming next both team will look to gain the much desires psychological advantage as Vishal Mehra brings you a preview of what to expect on a Valentine’s Day special. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: South Africa vs England, 5th ODI match at Cape Town
The fourth ODI at Johannesburg gave us some of the most refreshing and enthralling moments of the series so far, with South Africa and England both winning earlier matches by a comfortable margins (England won the first match via Duckworth-Lewis). Going into the 4th match the hosts would have been in complete confidence after touting the visitors by a mammoth margin of 7 wickets in game No. 3 of the series as Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla smashed 135 and 127 respectively. Even in the last game their batsmen managed to get starts with as many as five of the top six batsmen crossed 25, However, they know that not every time a Morris will come and rescue them. Their batting in this series has revolved around De Kock, who has contributed 322 runs in the series; he will need to make it count one last time if South Africa has to win this final hurdle. Bowling department is clearly the hosts’ mainstay in the series so far having four off the top five wicket-takers at their disposal. Kagiso Rabada continued his devastating form with the ball with 4 for 45 in the last match.
England will feel disappointed after giving a 2-0 series lead away to South Africa, losing the third and fourth matches. Her bowlers, who got hammered, thrashed and crashed by the hosts, will need to share upon the majority off the blame. The game at Johannesburg might have been a close call for South Africa, but their batsmen should shoulder the blame for giving the wickets away playing rash shots. England’s prolific match-winner bowler Stuart Broad will need to re-kindle his performances from the Test series in order for them to have a firm grip on the trophy. Their bowling will also rely on Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali to get them breakthroughs at regular intervals, something they have been failing to do most of the times. Joe Root has been in scintillating form over the past few months, stockpiling runs as if there is not tomorrow. Root has made 324 runs in the series so far at an impressive average of 81, and will need to make it big in the finale and round up yet another winner’s medal in his kitty of gold and silver. With Alex Hales and Jos Buttler in terrific form as well, it only holds good for the visitor going into the final bout.
Leading into the 2-match T20I series and the ICC World T20 in a month’s time it becomes very much imperative for both the sides to get their foot on the pedal and continue progressing with winning ways. Both South Africa and England know this just not a match but a battle for bragging rights over one another.
Squads:
South Africa: AB de Villiers (c), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marchant de Lange, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw.
England: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Alex Hales, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Taylor, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes.
Time: 10:00 local | 8:00 GMT | 13:30 IST
(Vishal Mehra is a reporter at CricketCountry, who enjoys his weekly dose of anime, and plays cricket once a white moon. His twitter handle is @vishal_oxyjinn)
