Get set for an action-packed showdown as South Africa takes on India in the third ODI at historic PPC Newlands, Cape Town, on Wednesday 7 February!
The Proteas are facing a steep challenge as they look to find a way to dismantle the cunning wrist-spin attack of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav. Failure to do so could mean missing the chance to clinch this series with just one match left after Wednesday’s battle.
India is poised to continue their dominant form against an injury-hit South African squad. The home side’s Vision 2019 plan is on the line, and this clash is the stage for the Proteas to prove their mettle under pressure.
Match Details:
South Africa vs India | Wednesday 7 February | PPC Newlands, Cape Town | 13:30
Match Odds to Win
South Africa 31/20
Tie 35/1
India 52/100
South Africa’s Challenge
The Proteas need something extraordinary to turn this series around. Their batsmen have struggled against the crafty spin duo of Yadav and Chahal. Injuries to key players such as AB de Villiers (missing this ODI), Faf du Plessis (recovering from a broken finger) and Quinton de Kock (wrist injury, potentially out 2-4 weeks) have further weakened their line-up.
Emerging talents like Khaya Zondo and Heinrich Klaasen must rise to the occasion. Zondo’s recent mature innings of 25 amidst the chaos provides hope, while Klaasen’s domestic form showcases his potential to shine. Though unlikely to replace de Kock immediately, Klaasen can give stiff competition.
In the bowling department, relying solely on wrist spinners Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi together may not be the ideal strategy. Including Keshav Maharaj would lend variety and might challenge the Indian batsmen differently. Sacrificing pace bowler Andile Phelukwayo, who has shown promising performances, might reduce the bowling attack’s depth and batting balance.
India’s Edge
India enters this match with confidence after two emphatic chases showcasing their all-round prowess. Chahal and Yadav’s spin mastery thrives at Newlands, a venue known to favour spin bowlers.
Aiming for their inaugural bilateral ODI series win on South African soil, India has little reason to alter their winning formula. Virat Kohli remains a rock at the crease, with Shikhar Dhawan’s timely half-century boosting the batting unit’s morale.
Spinners will be integral to their strategy. The seam duo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, will look to disrupt South Africa’s middle and lower-order runs to set the stage for the spinners to pick wickets.
Final Word: India 52/100
Backing South Africa seems a tall order given their shaky start and injury concerns. India appears set to take the honours at Newlands in this crucial match.
