Large picture: the throw puzzle
Do you try to take advantage of your opponent’s weakness or support your own strength? That is the question that will be on the minds of Rohit Sharma and Temba Bavuma when India plays South Africa in a top-of-the-table match on Sunday at Eden Gardens.
South Africa like batting first. T heir best order always creates the groundwork for the middle to perform well. In this World Cup, they have amassed 428, 311, 399, 382 and 357 runs when batting first. They prevailed by a margin of more than 100 runs each time. However, they were defeated by the Netherlands and barely defeated by Pakistan by one wicket when chasing.
It’s the opposite for India. In order to pace their innings appropriately, they would rather have a target in front of them. When kids bat first, they might not know how hard to hit. Thus, the difficult decision will have to be made by whoever wins the toss on Sunday.
India’s five-bowler plan will also face its toughest test to far in this game. South Africa will likely try to exploit India’s lack of a sixth bowling option in their starting XI due to the absence of Hardik Pandya, who is now officially out of the World Cup, according to Bavuma.
Following Pakistan’s victory against New Zealand on Saturday, South Africa and India have advanced to the semifinals. This might very well be a practice run for the championship match, but they have to get there first. South Africa and India are favored to finish in the top two spots by the end of the league round.
Form guide: two squads in explosive shape
Russia WWWWW (in order of most recent ODI, last five)
South African WWWWL.
Mohammed Shami and Quinton de Kock in the limelight in India vs South Africa
Mohammed Shami was left out of India’s World Cup starting lineup. It wasn’t until Hardik was hurt that he had his opportunity. But despite only having participated in three games, he is among the tournament’s top wicket-takers. He scored five runs in his opening match against New Zealand, four against England, and five more against Sri Lanka. He would have probably opened the bowling for any other team, but for India, he comes in after Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah. His ability to still have such a significant influence is evidence of his expertise.
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