India kick-started the three-match ODI series against South Africa on the worst foot possible, losing the first ODI in Lucknow. Whilst losing is a part and parcel of the cricketing life, India’s struggle with the bat puts them under immense pressure going into the Ranchi ODI.
For South Africa, the start perhaps was the best possible one they could get, with their muddled situation on the ODI Super League, where they need as many wins as possible to make a direct entry into the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The visitors have a real opportunity of completing a series win in Ranchi, and for India, it is yet another opportunity to try out their bench strength in the absence of their A-listers.
Ground details
The JSCA International Stadium Complex, surely you remember this venue, don’t you? At the venue, India have won two out of the four completed ODIs, with the two losses being against New Zealand and Australia. Two teams have won batting first, two teams chasing, which makes the toss an extremely dicey proposition.
On an average, the first innings score at the venue has been 262, but for a winning score, the teams batting first need to target 290. Top-order batters usually enjoy the venue, with an average of 37.8, with a strike-rate of 86.3.
Unlike other venues in the country, the JSCA stadium is one which has assistance for both – pacers and spinners. At the venue, pacers have picked up 33 wickets @33.7 in comparison to 31 wickets @36.8 from the spinners.
Suggested team
While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captaincy suggestions
For small leagues: David Miller (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc)
For grand leagues: Sanju Samson (c), Kagiso Rabada (vc)
Stats that matter
- At the venue, pacers have picked up 33 wickets @33.7 in comparison to 31 wickets @36.8 from the spinners. And on the batting front, top-orders are far better, with an average of 37.8, with a strike-rate of 86.3.
- Sanju Samson’s form with the bat has been sublime in the 50-over format, with an average of 65.50 and a strike-rate of 110.54. Even in India’s loss the other day, it was Samson who impressed everyone with a 63-ball 86*, nearly taking India home.
- Even though he conceded 52 runs, Lungi Ngidi’s display with the ball is something you should pay notice to. The right-arm pacer picked up three wickets, averaging 17.33, becoming the leading wicket-taker in the series.
- Shardul Thakur’s form has been scintillating in the recent times, with the right-arm seamer even ending with a spell of 32/4 against New Zealand A earlier last month. In India’s opener in Lucknow, the all-rounder scored a vital 33 and was impressive with the ball, with a spell of 35/2.
Grand League punts
- Sanju Samson’s form with the bat has been sublime in the 50-over format, with an average of 65.50 and a strike-rate of 110.54. Even in India’s loss the other day, it was Samson who impressed everyone with a 63-ball 86*, nearly taking India home. Backing Samson involves risk but to win a grand league, you need to take those, don’t you?
- Kagiso Rabada might not have picked up as many wickets as Lungi Ngidi did the other day but his form with the white-ball over the last year has been incredible. In 2022, Rabada has picked up eight wickets, averaging 21.12 with an economy rate of 5.04.
Here are the Top ten Criclytics Projections
Probable XIs
South Africa XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
India XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj
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