The first week of the 2019 Cricket World Cup has a distinctly South African flavour to it, with the Proteas pressed into action three times in the first seven days of the tournament.
Faf du Plessis’ troops will serve as the opening opponents for three different teams – England, Bangladesh and India.
The busy start means that the Proteas have the opportunity to propel themselves ahead in the race for a semi-final place, but to do so they will need to overcome some fierce competition.
First Match
Thursday 30 May
The Oval, London
11:30
To Win Match
England 42/100
Tie 35/1
South Africa 19/10
The very first hurdle in the Proteas’ quest for a maiden world cup win will be a team that have been installed as early favourites to win their own first title.
Eoin Morgan’s number one-ranked team might suffer from having too many options afforded to them by a versatile squad of 15 players, all capable of winning matches for their country.
South Africa’s plan to tackle England will centre around trying to bowl them out, whether defending a target or bowling first. The Proteas will be wary of allowing England’s dangerous top- and middle-order from spending too much time at the crease.
The weather forecast for Thursday in South London looks good, with early cloud cover making way for afternoon sun – and warm temperatures are expected.
Verdict: England are favourites for a reason and will want to start the tournament by making a statement.
Second Match
Friday 1 June
Trent Bridge, Nottingham
11:30
To Win Match
Pakistan 72/100
Tie 35/1
West Indies 23/20
The West Indies and Pakistan have both played ODI series in the British Isles in the last month, but neither side will be entirely happy with how those outings went.
The Windies suffered three straight defeats to Bangladesh in a tri-series in Ireland that also involved the hosts. Pakistan were well beaten four-nil by England, but played their best at Trent Bridge – the venue for their World Cup opener.
Pakistan made the bold decision to recall Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz after that series defeat, believing the quicks would give the team more on batting-friendly surfaces.
The Windies have had less than ideal conditions in their warm-up fixtures, suffering a washout against the Proteas.
Verdict: Pakistan ran England close on the same ground not so long ago – and should be able to leverage that experience into a win.
Third Match
Saturday 2 June
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
11:30
To Win Match
New Zealand 34/100
Tie 35/1
Sri Lanka 23/10
New Zealand suffered defeat to Bangladesh when they last visited Sophia Gardens in Wales – and will want to avoid another upset when they open their World Cup against Sri Lanka.
The Black Caps have had some personnel changes since then, but the core lesson of that defeat would be that they need to seize the initiative.
Sri Lanka are a resilient team who will make a dangerous opponent in tournament play, but they will need to have a very good day to best a quality Black Caps outfit packed with experienced internationals.
Big totals have proven to be difficult to chase down at Sophia Gardens, with the highest target successfully pursued the 266 Bangladesh needed to beat New Zealand in the 2017 Champions Trophy
Verdict: New Zealand should avoid a repeat of their Champions Trophy disaster.
Fourth Match
Saturday 2 June
County Ground, Bristol
14:30
To Win Match
Australia 1/8
Tie 35/1
Afghanistan 11/2
Afghanistan come into the World Cup more hopeful than expectant, while their opponents in their first game will be determined to do well – to spite their hosts as much as anything else.
Steven Smith has looked in excellent form for Australia in the warm-ups, igniting hopes of a fifth World Cup win for the men from down under.
Aaron Finch will have the captaincy duties, but all eyes will be on Smith and David Warner, returning after their bans for bringing the Australian game into disrepute.
Afghanistan are a side that aren’t likely to challenge for a top four place, but they could knock one of the elite teams off their course to the Cup.
Verdict: Australia should be confident of picking up a win.
Fifth Match
Sunday 3 June
The Oval, London
11:30
To Win Match
South Africa
Tie
Bangladesh
The Proteas reload for another match at The Oval, this time taking on the Tigers of Bangladesh.
In recent meetings between the sides, South Africa have bullied Bangladesh into submission, but history counts for little on the big stage.
Bangladesh come into the tournament on the back of a morale-boosting tri-series win in Ireland, with Tamim Iqbal looking in good touch at the top of the order. Conditions should suit the left-handed opener, but the Proteas quicks will pose a challenge to him having his own way.
The Proteas might look to rotate their squad early on in the tournament but will not want to take Bangladesh lightly.
Verdict: No upset this time, as the Proteas will take the win.
Written by @JonhenryWilson
