South Africa are back where the 2019/20 season started as they return to India for a three-match ODI series.
The Proteas were thumped in the Test series in India but shared the T20I series suggesting the fifty-over contests should be tighter.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
First ODI | Thursday 12 March 2020 | Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala | 10:00
To Win
India 42/100
Tie 35/1
South Africa 19/10
India
India continue their quest to both expand their pool of batsmen and nail down their combinations in limited-overs cricket.
Virat Kohli is, of course, the dangerman for India, as the batting impresario is every time he takes to the field. Kohli has scored 21 ODI centuries as captain and will be keen to add to his tally against the Proteas.
Shreyas Iyer has shown signs that he could finally start cashing in on his outrageous batting talent with strong displays in limited-overs cricket.
India’s bowling kingpin is without doubt Kuldeep Yadav, but the threats posed by the men in blue are many and varied.
South Africa
The Proteas arrive as distinct underdogs, but they have a history of upsetting their hosts in white-ball cricket.
Quinton de Kock remains the undisputed batting leader, but the pressure has been taken off him by top performances from Janneman Malan and Heinrich Klaasen against Australia.
Faf du Plessis returns to the squad but Mark Boucher has a real headache trying to find slots for both him and Rassie van der Dussen. David Miller, Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne and Jon-Jon Smuts all put in significant contributions against Australia and leaving any of them out will be tough.
The Proteas spinning options come from Keshav Maharaj and allrounder George Linde, who is in line to make his ODI debut. Tabraiz Shamsi is rested and given leave to be with his wife and newborn child.
Verdict: India 42/100
It is India at home, and they are always favourites.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets
