After back-to-back losses, South Africa take on India in what was touted to be a closely contested match. The odds, though, have firmly swung India's way after the Proteas lost Dale Steyn to injury earlier in the day. They are also without Lungi Ngidi and will be forced to rely on their all-rounders while reinforcement arrives.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Southampton received rains the previous night of the match. Batting that, the pitch is flat and should assist stroke making.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (8.5 credits)
The South African wicket-keeper, Quinton de Kock, is the favourite choice. However, his fallacies against spin should be exploited by India. Given the success the spinners have against the Proteas, even if Dhoni does not get to bat, a few catches and stumpings should be in the offing.
Batsman: Shikhar Dhawan (9.5 cr)
Dhawan has hundreds in two previous ICC events against the Proteas, the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2015 World Cup. In good form from the IPL, Dhawan will be a major threat for the Proteas attack that appeared listless against England and Bangladesh.
All-Rounder: Andile Phehlukwayo (8.5 cr)
The lone silver lining for the Proteas in the match against Bangladesh, Phehlukwayo's cutters and power hitting in the death will be handy in this match. He has faced India before but is a much improved bowler now which raises his stocks.
Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav (8.5 cr)
The left-arm unorthodox spinner destroyed South Africa in the ODI series
After back-to-back losses, South Africa take on India in what was touted to be a closely contested match. The odds, though, have firmly swung India's way after the Proteas lost Dale Steyn to injury earlier in the day. They are also without Lungi Ngidi and will be forced to rely on their all-rounders while reinforcement arrives.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Southampton received rains the previous night of the match. Batting that, the pitch is flat and should assist stroke making.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: MS Dhoni (8.5 credits)
The South African wicket-keeper, Quinton de Kock, is the favourite choice. However, his fallacies against spin should be exploited by India. Given the success the spinners have against the Proteas, even if Dhoni does not get to bat, a few catches and stumpings should be in the offing.
Batsman: Shikhar Dhawan (9.5 cr)
Dhawan has hundreds in two previous ICC events against the Proteas, the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2015 World Cup. In good form from the IPL, Dhawan will be a major threat for the Proteas attack that appeared listless against England and Bangladesh.
All-Rounder: Andile Phehlukwayo (8.5 cr)
The lone silver lining for the Proteas in the match against Bangladesh, Phehlukwayo's cutters and power hitting in the death will be handy in this match. He has faced India before but is a much improved bowler now which raises his stocks.
Bowler: Kuldeep Yadav (8.5 cr)
The left-arm unorthodox spinner destroyed South Africa in the ODI series last year which India won 5-1. The Proteas aren't adept at playing spin and Kuldeep could be a handful for them if the Southampton surface offers a bit of turn.
Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Vice-Captain: Virat Kohli
Predicted Playing XI:
India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah
South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Imran Tahir
