In the last three decades, South Africa have had a storied history in the world of cricket. But in the midst of all those laurels, one prize is still missing from the cabinet – the World Cup trophy. In that context, the chokers tag has been linked with the South African team. In the ongoing World Cup too, there were whispers about South Africa’s frailties getting exposed under pressure after they couldn’t overhaul the target against the Netherlands.
Those whispers would have become louder when South Africa were eight down against Pakistan. In the nick of time, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj, in particular, showed the required batting smarts against the swinging ball. Eventually, Maharaj guided South Africa to a famous win with a boundary. That victory would have boosted the confidence of the second-placed South African set-up ahead of their key clash against a team that is only one place below them in the points table.
Otherwise, most parts of South Africa’s wagon are functioning according to plan: be it Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller making contributions with the bat, or the fast bowlers and the spin duo of Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi taking timely wickets. Incidentally, Gerald Coetzee, who is deceptively quick, now has 10 wickets to his name in the middle overs.
Is there still a concern surrounding the South African side? Temba Bavuma’s modest form must be one. But he is a fine leader and has a good record in the 50-over format. So, the coaching staff would back their skipper to find his touch. Meanwhile, New Zealand have a few injury worries surrounding Lockie Ferguson, Kane Williamson and Mark Chapman.
Matt Henry, their lead pace bowler in the tournament, has had a couple of poor games. Even though he was a touch unlucky not to pick up more wickets versus India. Mitchell Santner, who has 14 scalps in the tournament, also wasn’t at his parsimonious best against Australia. With the conditions in Pune set to be batting-friendly, the duo have to find their rhythm quickly. New Zealand also would want to get back to winning ways after a couple of losses.
Ever since Mark Greatbatch gatecrashed South Africa’s party in the 1992 World Cup, there has always been a bit of intrigue surrounding South Africa-New Zealand contests. Just to add a little more spice, the latest installment of South Africa-New Zealand contests also comes in the backdrop of Springboks clinching the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a thrilling win over the All Blacks.
Time and Venue Details:
November 1, 2023 , 14:00 IST, Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
Expected conditions
Generally, the pitch at this ground offers mostly even bounce. Although the batters of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh couldn’t take advantage of the conditions on view. The team winning the toss is set to bowl.
Possible XIs
New Zealand
Kane Williamson has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash. If Ferguson misses out, Tim Southee could get an opportunity.
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson/Tim Southee
South Africa
Kagiso Rabada, who couldn’t play the game versus Pakistan due to back issues, might make a comeback.
Probable XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi
Matchups
Markram v Santner: The talented middle-order bat is renowned for his inside-out lofts and drives, while Santner is a clever operator, who thrives on subtle changes of pace and length. Certainly a contest to watch out for.
Teams speak
“There were two special sporting events going on, and one’s just finished. But we feel the support we have back home. We certainly understand the country is right behind us and hopefully we can make them proud.” – Tom Latham, New Zealand captain.
“The result [against Pakistan] could have been different, and then we’d be having a different conversation. But the important and heartening thing was to see how some of the guys played under pressure, and that we managed to find a way to get over the line. If we do it again and again, we’ll start to accept that we’re getting better at winning key moments in pressure games.” – Rob Walter, South Africa coach.