Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

CWC 2019 Match 15: South Africa v West Indies Preview Dream11. SA vs WI Dream11 Prediction

Hey, who said we have to wait too long for knockout matches in the 2019 World Cup?

The South African campaign is really heating up. In the wrong way. Injuries, three defeats and the AB de Villiers saga has the smoke alarm is going off. The Proteas’ campaign is in desperate need of a lift to avoid going into complete flames, and they now find themselves in a knockout-like situation where they likely need to win all six of their matches to have a chance of making the Semi Finals. Can Faf du Plessis’ men put all distractions aside, claim “this is fine” amid the fire, and put in a performance that kickstart their campaign?

West Indies, predictably, have set the World Cup alight in its early stages. In a good way, unlike South Africa. Pace, hard-hitting, smiles, salutes and an outstanding catch by Sheldon Cottrell have all defined the Windies campaign so far, thrashing Pakistan first up and then missing a significant opportunity against Australia. Form in this tournament suggests the Windies have the upper hand here, but they need to be cautious not to fall to two losses in the first three games. Plenty to play for.

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Key to a South Africa win

“Score more runs” was the simple, blunt but significant statement from Chris Morris after the Proteas’ defeat to India. The loss of early wickets put them back significantly, and now they come up against a Windies side that has taken a total of seven powerplay wickets across two matches so far. There is little doubt that the Proteas will be tested against the short ball, and how they respond to the early onslaught will be crucial. If they can have a good start, the make up of the West Indies attack, where they can lack strike in the middle overs, is where the Proteas can pounce. Good luck, Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla – set a platform for the likes of Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen to build on.

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Also, can South Africa display the fight and effort they showed with the ball against India? More importantly, given that the West Indies will give chances due to their attacking play, can the Proteas hold onto them? Kagiso Rabada’s battle against Chris Gayle will be key, and so too Imran Tahir against a team he has had success against in the past. Tahir, who has taken just three wickets since dismissing Jonny Bairstow first ball in the World Cup opener, averages 44 so far with an economy rate of 5.86 in CWC 2019. It is time he delivers to help carry an attack that will be without Lungi Ngidi and the great Dale Steyn.

Key to a West Indies win

Can you imagine the panic that would spread through the Proteas camp if the Windies continue their powerplay rampage? Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas and Andre Russell have been damaging in this stage, dismantling both Pakistan and Australia’s top orders so far. With Russell’s bowling likely to be limited by a chronic knee problem, the onus is on Cottrell and Thomas to get the better of South Africa’s experienced top three. Also, do West Indies bring in one extra strike bowler – perhaps Kemar Roach, to keep the foot on the throat? The lack of strike in the middle overs, owing to the make up of their bowling attack, was a key reason Australia got away after being reduced to 79/5.

Also, eyes will be on the powerful Windies’ batting lineup. While umpiring was not their friend against Australia, so too was their ability to lose wickets at crucial times to let Australia back in the game. If the Windies can get past Rabada early, it sets them up to put significant pressure on an attack that contains two all-rounders and newcomer in Beuran Hendricks. Shai Hope can hold things together with others going ballistic around him – if the Windies play to this template, they could just be too good for the Proteas today.

Pitch and conditions

The Southampton pitch that India played South Africa on last week was quite tacky. Here, a good batting pitch is expected. What is also expected are a few showers throughout the day.

Possible Playing 11

South Africa’s middle order, including JP Duminy and David Miller, have to step up in a time of need. The Proteas desperately need to convert their starts. Expect Beuran Hendricks to come in to provide some pace bowling depth, in place of Tabraiz Shamsi. Aiden Markram is an option for the top order, but he will probably miss out in this game.

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South Africa: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Faf du Plessis (c), 4. Rassie van der Dussen, 5. JP Duminy, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Chris Morris, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Beuran Hendricks, 11. Imran Tahir

West Indies have some selection decisions to make. Do they persist with Carlos Brathwaite or bring in another fast bowler? Kemar Roach is a chance of playing.

West Indies: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Shai Hope (wk), 4. Nicholas Pooran, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Jason Holder (c), 8. Ashley Nurse, 9. Carlos Brathwaite/Kemar Roach, 10. Sheldon Cottrell, 11. Oshane Thomas

Dream11 Prediction

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Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 6, South Africa 4, West Indies 2.
• The last World Cup meeting between South Africa and West Indies saw AB de Villiers smash 162* off 66 balls. Now, AB has taken centre stage for a different reason.
• West Indies have not won a World Cup match vs South Africa since the 2003 World Cup opener. Brian Lara was the star that day.
• Imran Tahir vs West Indies in ODIs: seven matches, 19 wickets, average: 12.05.
• West Indies have taken seven wickets in the powerplay so far in CWC 2019.

Match Prediction

South Africa’s resolve will be tested to the fore now. It is surely now or never, and with a game against struggling Afghanistan on Saturday, South Africa can get their campaign back on track.

West Indies will be a mighty test, but Jason Holder’s men can give you chances. The Proteas will be desperate, and despite the distractions, I can see them putting on a good display after a fighting bowling effort against India.

This will be a bit of an upset on current form, but I have a feeling South Africa will win this. That nagging feeling.

Thanks for reading!

Also, be sure check out my series of “five key talking points” from every CWC 2019 match! The latest:

England v Bangladesh: England take advantage of Bangladesh defensive approach

Afghanistan v New Zealand: Afghanistan look so distracted

Download: Making cricket an interactive experience! Discover Harrison Cricket Apps ODI version.