FANTASY
Follow UsAfter a thrilling Test series which they lost 1-2, India began the ODI series to kick start an era where Virat Kohli was no longer captain of the side. It turned out to be a tepid beginning as they fell short by 31 runs while chasing a target of 297. The visitors' middle-order failed to take their chances while their top-order was unable to build on a good foundation, which was an exact opposite to South Africa's approach. Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen struck centuries to put up a fighting total while their spinners exploited the slow nature of the pitch at Boland Park.
With another series on the line, India will look to restore parity when they return to the same venue for the second ODI, determined to rectify their mistakes.
Head-to-Head
Overall: 86 | India 35 | South Africa 47 | No Result 4
Last Five matches: India 2 | South Africa 2 | No Result 1
Ground Details and Team Combination
Even though previous records point at a pace-friendly wicket, the first ODI had given us a glimpse how the pitch at Boland Park is different from the bouncy pitches found across other major venues in South Africa. The surface was skiddy which offers spinners on either side to exploit the dry afternoon heat to their advantage. With bowlers mostly relying on lengths and variations, batters also have a lot of freedom to play shots. It is good to pick two spinners with three pacers and a batting allrounder in your team going into the second game.
Suggested Team
The team we've picked has a mix of quality batters and bowlers. But remember, while you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing 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.
Captain Selection
Quinton de Kock, who is back in the limited-overs set up after announcing a shock Test retirement, looked barely fazed by what had happened recently. Captain Temba Bavuma said his keeper-batter had a point to prove on return and the southpaw did just that. Even though he fell after scoring 27 runs in the first ODI, De Kock seemed to carry the confidence from last year, where he had scored a century and a half century from three ODIs.
Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts De Kock to score 39-59 runs
Tabraiz Shamsi has been in excellent form in the shortest format off late, but he has equally effective in the ODI format last year with 14 wickets from eight innings at average of 26.4. The left-armer was vital in derailing India's chase when he deceived Virat Kohli into playing an unusual shot.
Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts Shamsi to pick up 0-1 wicket
Shikhar Dhawan was called up to the ODI side after regular captain Rohit Sharma was sidelined due to an injury. He played a fluent knock of 79 off 84 balls to set up India's chase and his wicket was the turning point in the match. The southpaw will be vital for the visitors in the second ODI at the same venue.
Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts Dhawan to score 26-40 runs
Keshav Maharaj has been one of the biggest assets for South Africa over the years with his ability to provide big breakthroughs when needed. He was at it again in the first ODI against India when he sent Dhawan packing to trigger a middle order collapse. When he is not picking up wickets, Maharaj has the ability to bowl economical spells consistently as his career average of 4.6 suggests.
Our Criclytics Player Projector predicts Maharaj to pick up 1-2 wickets
Probable XIs
Predicted Indian XI: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah/Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Predicted South African XI: Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi