Cricket World Cup: South Africa vs India
Venue: Ageas Bowl, Southampton
Date: Wednesday 5th June 2019
BetXChange Odds:
Match Winner:
Having lost both matches so far in the Cricket World Cup, it’s very much a case of last chance saloon for South Africa. Defeats to Bangladesh and England have left the Proteas with a potential mountain to climb in order to qualify for the semi-final stage. Faf du Plessis described his side as performing at ‘50/60%’ in their last two games and with injuries to key players such as Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla and Lungi Ngidi, they will be calling upon their whole squad as they look to get an important result against an Indian side that will be looking to kick off their World Cup campaign in style.
Match Preview
The problems are mounting up for South Africa in all three departments. Their batting has been arguably the strongest suit with Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis both having registered big scores in defeats thus far. Their fielding standards have been well below par and their bowling has looked toothless in the absence of Dale Steyn. Their squad is being stretched through injuries too and it promises to be a real tough game for them in Southampton.
The situation looks a lot clearer for India who will be looking to get off to a flyer in this year’s tournament. Virat Kohli’s men have a team packed full of match winners and they start the competition as second favourites behind England to lift the trophy at Lords on July 14th.
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Betting Tips
Total Runs in the Match – Under 580.5 – 0.90
South Africa are a side low on confidence and whilst the Indian batsmen are sure to have plenty of fire power, their game plan will be to bat second. As a result, if they win the toss South Africa could be asked to bat first and with their ongoing problems, could struggle against a potent Indian attack.
South Africa Top Batsman in the match: Faf du Plessis – 4.00
The South African captain Faf du Plessis is a notorious fighter with the bat and very rarely gives his wicket away. He top scored in the defeat to Bangladesh last time out and he will be eager to stand up and be counted here.
South Africa Top Bowler in the match: Imran Tahir – 3.00
Kagiso Rabada looked good in his first game against England but struggled against Bangladesh. The Ageas Bowl pitch will offer him some assistance and he has a habit of performing on the big stage and he will be keen to prove the doubters wrong.
India Top Batsman in the match: Virat Kohli – 1.80
Virat Kohli is the number one batsman in the world across all formats and has spoken of his desire to inspire this Indian team to victory in this year’s World Cup. Another man who strives for the big occasion and he impressed in English conditions last year.
India Top Bowler in the match: Jasprit Bumrah – 2.25
Paceman Jasprit Bumrah has taken 85 wickets in only 49 One Day internationals and he is one of the most dangerous prospects in the game. His devastating in-swinging yorkers, coupled with his ability to bounce batsman out make him very difficult to play and the Proteas will have to be at their best to deal with him.
Match Prediction
India will be eager to get their campaign off to a flyer but will be wary of the many threats South Africa pose. Faf du Plessis’s men will be fired up for this one and will perhaps prefer playing at the Ageas Bowl but India have too many proven match winners and should just about get the job done at 0.45 with BetXChange.
Top Betting Tip:
India to win the match and Virat Kohli to be India’s top batsman – 3.06
