Tri-Nation series 2016, 7th ODI, Australia vs South Africa, Preview and Predictions: Both teams eyeing a place in final
Tri-Nation series 2016, 7th ODI, Australia vs South Africa, Preview and Predictions
Australia will take on South Africa for the third and final time (in the group stage) in the seventh One-Day International of tri-nation series at Barbados. Both the sides have had mixed fortunes so far in the series against each other. With two wins and two losses respectively, the two powerhouses have not shown any sign of dominance. Their previous two meetings in the series have resulted in win a piece. The first encounter saw South Africa’s bowling attack tear past Australia batting unit en-route to win the match by 47 runs. But just like they always do, Australia fought back in the next game, beating their opponents by 36 runs thanks to a century from David Warner. A win for either side in this game will almost confirm a place in the final. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Australia vs South Africa, 7th ODI Match
This fixture will more than be just a normal match between the two sides. South Africa come into this game on the back of an absolute demolition of hosts West Indies. AB de Villiers and co amassed 343 for 4 batting first, thanks to an century from Hashim Amla. But his display was well and truly overshadowed by leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who ended with astonishing figures of 7 for 45. In the process, he became the first South African to scalp seven wickets in an ODI innings.
As for Australia, they come into this fixture after five days off. Their last match against West Indies wasn’t a memorable affair for them. Despite posting a decent 265 for 7 from their 50 overs, they were beaten comfortably. The absence of Mitchell Starc was felt, as the other fast bowlers were absolutely ineffective against the batting prowess of West Indies.
Australia head into this game in an slightly inferior position. Despite being the No.1 ODI side in the world, they have not been at their usual best. In what is a fixture between the two most complete teams in the world, the result may well be decided by a moment of individual brilliance.
South Africa have arguably the greatest Top Four in world cricket. With Quinton de Kock, Amla, Faf du Plessis and skipper de Villiers in their ranks, there is no reason why they cannot score 300+ runs every game. Their bowling also isn’t a light weight, considering the form of Tahir and the ability of young Kagiso Rabada.
As for the Australian side, the absence of Warner is a huge blow, but they still are a unit to be feared. Smith is one of the best batsman going around, and is well supported by Khawaja and Finch. It is their bowling which needs to really fire. Starc is an unplayable force when he plays. To add, Josh Hazlewood is one of the best bowlers around, and Adam Zampa has been rising slowly and steadily.
This match will witness some of the best talents in the game. The game, as earlier said, may be decided by a moment of genius. If at all Starc plays, it will be a mouth watering clash to witness him against the South African Top Four. Same can be said about Smith, who will look to negate the threat of Tahir. Expect a really good contest in store. On paper, both sides are nearly equal. But if fine margins are considered, South Africa have a minute edge over their opponent, due to the absence of Warner.
Squads:
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers (c), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw (ruled out), Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Farhaan Behardien, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir, Kyle Abbott, Dean Elgar (Rilee Rossouw’s replacement).
Australia: Steven Smith (c), David Warner (ruled out), George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell,Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa.
TIME: 22:30 IST | 17:00 GMT
(R Narayan is reporter with CricketCountry, and is an ardent cricket and football enthusiast (big Manchester United fan). Having followed cricket since 2003, he likes high scoring matches as well as good fast bowling. His Twitter handle is @RNarayan24nov)