Get ready for the most awaited clash of the ICC World Cup 2023 as India and South Africa prepare to face off at the historic Eden Gardens on the 5th of November, 2023.
South Africa, renowned for their batting dominance, has won all five matches when batting first. On the other side of the spectrum, we have India, the most dominant bowling side, who have remained unbeaten throughout this World Cup campaign.
They both have met on five occasions before on the World Cup stage, and the Proteas hold a slight edge with three victories. The outcome of this battle could significantly impact the race for table-toppers in this World Cup.
Team Preview
India
The hosts are the first team to secure a berth in the semis of ICC World Cup 2023. Their journey so far has been flawless, boasting a record of 7 wins in 7 matches, which ranks among the most dominant campaigns in the history of the World Cup.
Every player has risen to the occasion, ensuring that all the boxes are firmly ticked. Whether it’s their formidable batting lineup or their potent bowling attack, they lead the ongoing World Cup with the best-combined batting average (53) and bowling average (20.7).
As they gear up for this crucial clash against South Africa, the Indian team is well aware that a victory would not only cement their place as the table-toppers in the tournament but also take them one step closer to achieving an undefeated campaign.
South Africa
The Proteas campaign in the ICC World Cup 2023 has been nothing short of dominant. Winning all five matches while batting first and only suffering one unexpected loss to the Dutch while chasing, which stands as one of the most remarkable upsets in World Cup history.
They have secured victory in all their matches with a margin of 100+ runs when batting first, which underscores their unrivalled prowess in building substantial innings. Four of their batters have amassed 300+ runs in this edition of the tournament.
As they prepare to face their arch-rivals and fellow title contenders, India, the Proteas are eager to continue their reign of dominance and aim to secure the coveted top spot in the table.
Probable Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
South Africa: Quinton De Kock(wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie Van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi
Pitch Report
The hallowed turf of Eden Gardens in Kolkata is renowned for its tendency to produce high-scoring encounters. With an average first-innings score of 264 since 2011, it’s abundantly clear that this pitch heavily favours the batsmen.
As the match progresses into the second innings, teams typically achieve an average score of 195, underscoring the challenges of chasing targets on this ground.
Spin bowlers come into their own in the latter stages of the game, exerting their influence and adding an extra layer of excitement to the battle between batsmen and spinners.
However, pacers can also be potent with the new ball, thanks to the pitch’s ability to offer carry. In the previous two encounters, the pacers from both sides imposed themselves on the batsmen.
Pitch Stats since 2011:
- Total Matches Played – 11
- Matches Won Batting First – 8
- Matches Won Batting Second – 3
- Average First Innings Score – 265
- Average Runs Per Over – 5.09
Players To Watch Out For
Mohammed Shami
Since his inclusion in the side at the World Cup, Shami’s performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. He delivered match-winning figures of 5/54 against New Zealand, 4/22 against England, and a sensational 5/18 against Sri Lanka.
Shami has also become the highest Indian wicket-taker in the World Cup. His Wicket Per Inning (WPI) of more than 3.2 is nothing short of mind-blowing, making it appear as if he holds the secret “cheat code” to success in World Cups.
Shami can provide initial breakthroughs in the powerplay. He has already claimed five wickets in the three games he played during this critical phase of the innings. As India faces off against South Africa, Shami’s role in tackling the Proteas’ formidable top order will be pivotal.
Quinton De Kock
De Kock’s recent form has been nothing short of outstanding. He notched up his fourth century against New Zealand, thereby shattering several records. He became the first South African batsman to surpass the 500-run mark in a single World Cup edition.
His dominance is clearly reflected in the run-scorers chart, where he leads by a significant margin with 545 runs in just 7 games. He’s set to break even more records, potentially of most runs and centuries in a single World Cup edition.
For the Indian team, De Kock poses a significant threat, considering his remarkable record against them. He boasts 1072 runs in 19 encounters with an impressive strike rate of 92. His ability to set the tempo early on can be a game-changer.
Marco Jansen
A player who’s been making waves in the ICC World Cup 2023 is Marco Jansen, the talented left-arm pacer. Jansen has emerged as one of the standout young talents in the tournament, and his impact has been remarkable.
Currently, he stands as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 16 wickets in 7 games. What truly sets Jansen apart is his ability to strike early and with authority. An astonishing 12 of his 16 wickets have come in the powerplay, effectively setting the tone for South Africa in the initial overs of the game.
Considering the past challenges that Indian batsmen have faced against left-arm pacers, Jansen’s role becomes even more crucial. If he can dismantle the Indian top order, particularly the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it would be half the job done.
IND vs SA Dream11 Team for Match 37 of 2023 WC
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
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