Two in-form sides will lock horns when hosts New Zealand take on the newly crowned world no. 1 South Africa in the opening ODI of the five-match series, set to take place at the Seddon Park, Hamilton. South Africa will be under spotlight as they chase their best winning streak in limited-overs cricket. A win at Hamilton would help them equal their 12 wins in a row record, which they had set way back in 2005.
The only fact which could bother South Africa would be their poor record on the foreign turf. They may have won their last 14 ODIs at home, but the Proteas have won only six and lost seven games out of the 13 they’ve played outside home since the 2015 World Cup.
On the other hand, New Zealand also look formidable and are unbeaten at home in ODI cricket this season, following series victories against Bangladesh and Australia. They have, in fact, lost just one of their last six ODIs at this venue.
While the series remains an important one for both sides, it will act more as a preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Both teams would surely want to carry on their good rhythm and have their team line-up sorted out before heading to England.
Team Composition:
Ross Taylor is back in the ODI squad after being overlooked for the one-off T20I. His inclusion obviously adds more firepower to the side. The senior man of the side is in form and struck a century in New Zealand’s last ODI – which was played at the same venue against Australia. But, on the other hand, they will be without their regular opener Martin Guptill, who hasn’t been included in the opening two ODIs due to a hamstring injury.
Dean Brownlie will replace him and will open alongside Tom Latham. Injury-hit quick bowlers Adam Milne and Mitchell McClenaghan also haven’t been included. Their absence, however, has brought opportunities for Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. Both of them will vie for the third frontline quick’s position to support Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
AB de Villiers-led South Africa look settled and will most likely not tinker with their ODI setup much. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock will open and will have Faf du Plessis and skipper AB de Villiers in top four. JP Duminy and Farhan Behardien make up the middle-order while Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell fill in the all-rounder’s spot. The pace attack will be led by Andile Phelukwayo and Kagiso Rababa. Leg-spin of Imran Tahir, the No.1 ranked ODI bowler completes their bowling attack.
Probable XI:
New Zealand: Dean Brownlie, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson (C), Ross Taylor, Neil Broom, James Neesham, Luke Ronchi (wk), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry/Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult
South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (C), JP Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phelukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir
Match Details:
Match begins at 6.30 IST
Who said what?
“The belief in the squad is as high as I’ve ever experienced it. There’s a great respect among the players and a sense of direction. It’s as simple as that.” – AB de Villiers reinforces the strong team ethic that South Africa have at the moment.
“Trent’s been operating really well for us in the last month. He’s got a lot of confidence but to get 2 for 8 off four overs in a total of 185 is a real anomaly. He was exceptional.” – New Zealand coach Mike Hesson stresses just how good Trent Boult often is.
Stats:
- South Africa is on the verge of equalling their longest winning streak in ODIs of 12 matches. The previous time they achieved the feat was back in 2005.
- AB de Villiers has scored 8,913 runs, and needs 87 more to become the second South African player to reach the 9,000 runs milestone.
- Kagiso Rabada is just one wicket away from completing 50 ODI wickets.