🏏 Cricket World Cup 2023: Match #37: India vs South Africa 🏏 - Page 2

Teams:

India

On a surface where South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma thought they could do with an extra spinner, India could also be tempted to use the R Ashwin option. However, if recent tendency is anything to go by they will stick to the combination that has served them well in the last couple of games, even if it means fielding the same five bowlers for another consecutive game.

Tactics & strategy

Where do you start with a team who seem impregnable in all departments? When India reeled off five wins batting second, it seemed they were a bigger threat when they chased. But that was because they hadn't batted first in the tournament. When they did, they won by 100 and 302 runs.

Originally posted by: SoniRita

oh ya thats true @ bold

Good one Vedi

South Africa

Will South Africa deploy Tabraiz Shamsi as well as Keshav Maharaj, or was Bavuma indulging in some mind games when he told his press conference on Saturday that "if the wicket assists the spinners you'll definitely see those two"? He then said he had yet to see the pitch. One reading of the statistical tea leaves would support a second spinner's inclusion, another not.

Tactics & strategy

Conversely to India, the South Africans have looked stronger when they have set targets. They have won five times batting first and lost once batting second. They have won a game chasing - by a solitary wicket when the target was a manageable 271.

Wishing it to be a Kohli's day

Advantage India

During the tournament at Eden Gardens, pace bowlers have taken 21 wickets at an average of 19.33 and an economy rate of 4.30, while spinners have managed 10 wickets at an average of 36.30 and an economy rate of 4.81.

Pitch Report

The cricket pitch at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens typically results in high-scoring contests that favour batsmen. Nonetheless, as the match progresses, it can provide spin bowlers with an opportunity to make their mark and introduce an additional element of thrill to the competition. Moreover, this revered turf can be challenging for fast bowlers with the new ball, offering them the potential for extra bounce and carry.

Happy Birthday Virat Kohli 🎂❤️🎉👑🏏

You will forever be my favourite sportsperson!💖😍💙🩵❤️💛

Today’s match is crucial and I hope and pray it is one of your best innings this World Cup!🏏💙

Thanks for the tag, Madhuri!💕🤗

#HappyBirthdayViratKohli💙

#HappyBirthdayKingKohli👑

Did you know?

- Virat Kohli has scored two of his 48 ODI centuries in the month of November, but he has never batted for India in the format on his birthday.

- Tabraiz Shamsi's bowling average in six ODIs against India is 63.60, but 26.71 in three games in India.

- Pace has claimed 21 wickets at 19.33 and an economy rate of 4.30 at Eden Gardens during the tournament, and spin 10 wickets at 36.30 and 4.81

What they said:

"We are trying to not even think about who we are playing. It's all about us. It's about our preparation, our planning, and whether we can execute our skills." - Rahul Dravid keeps the focus on India.

"Playing at Eden Gardens is an occasion, but it does become another game of cricket." - Temba Bavuma plays down the massive moment.

https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1721062507324858732?s=20

Pitch and weather report ??