Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

CWC 2019 Match 45: Australia v South Africa Preview Dream11 Prediction. AUS vs SA Preview Dream11 Prediction

How much change does a year make? In the case of Australia and South Africa, quite significant.

Steve Smith and David Warner will play against South Africa for the first time since the Cape Town ball tampering saga in March last year. It was part of a challenging 2018 for Australia, where they also possessed the worst winning record of ODI side. This included a 2-1 home loss to the Proteas in November.

Also read: Why 2018 was a blessing for Australia

Fast forward 10 months later, and it is South Africa wondering where they go to next. A poor World Cup campaign has emphasised the need for change, as they could finish ninth in a tournament that many thought they could be participating in the Semi Finals. Can they finish on a high note and ruin Australia’s aspirations to finish first?

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Key to an Australia win

Australia’s top order has often delivered big runs in CWC 2019. Aaron Finch and David Warner – both with over 500 runs – have allowed Australia to play off the front foot. However, the effort of Alex Carey against New Zealand was encouraging, highlighting the depth available in positions of discomfort. Here, Australia will want the complete batting performance – something they have actually lacked for most of the tournament. Can the top order – including Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja – set a platform that the likes of Marcus Stoinis can take advantage of?

Also read: Alex Carey has proved me wrong

Also, Australia have the opportunity to build further confidence with the ball. The inclusion of Jason Behrendhorff as Mitchell Starc’s new-ball partner has worked a treat, with the Aussies making inroads early into England and New Zealand. The left-arm combination has been terrific, along with Pat Cummins who continues to be miserly with an economy rate of just 4.66 in CWC 2019. His record vs Faf du Plessis (four dismissals in 68 balls) is something Australia will want built on. Can they combine for another fine bowling effort against a side that has struggled?

Key to a South Africa win

This could very well be the last ODI of Hashim Amla’s magnificent career. Whether he can overcome Australia’s attack will be key for the Proteas. However, Quinton de Kock’s struggles against left-arm seam will be put under the microscope by Starc and Behrendhorff in a test of whether he can overcome this weakness. A strong start is vital for the Proteas, where the middle order can play off. Will there finally be a century scored after Faf du Plessis came close last time out?

Also, eight wickets in as many games is not the return Kagiso Rabada would have been after. However, he has often bowled better than his figures have suggested, and has one final chance to send a dagger through the confidence of the Australians. Chris Morris has been a positive in a tough campaign, and if the Proteas’ all-rounders find some movement and combine well with last-game man Imran Tahir, they may just give Australia a worry or two.

Pitch and conditions

The forecast is for good weather for most of the day in Manchester. There is a chance of a shower. In regards to the pitch, the seamers might find some assistance early, after which it should be a good day for batting.

Possible Playing 11

Shaun Marsh broke his arm at training and is out of the World Cup. His replacement, Peter Handscomb, might come in for Glenn Maxwell, who also copped a blow in the same session.

Australia: 1. David Warner, 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Usman Khawaja, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Glenn Maxwell/Peter Handscomb, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Jason Behrendorff

South Africa could stick with the same side that thumped Sri Lanka by nine wickets. This will be the last ODIs JP Duminy and Imran Tahir ever play. Can the Proteas send them out as winners?

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

Download: Making cricket an interactive experience! Discover Harrison Cricket Apps ODI version. For full screenshots, click here.

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head in World Cups: Matches 5, Australia 3, South Africa 1, 1 tie.
• The last meeting between the sides in World Cups was in the 2007 Semi Final, where Australia won easily.
• The most wickets by a single bowler in a World Cup campaign was Glenn McGrath with 26 in 2007. Mitchell Starc currently has 24.
• This will be the last ODI for both JP Duminy and Imran Tahir.
• South Africa won the last ODI against Australia in Hobart.

Match Prediction

South Africa have been the biggest disappointment in CWC 2019.

While they have the talent to challenge any team, there is still plenty at stake for Australia who are improving further heading into the Semi Finals. Australia to win.

Also read: Time for South Africa to say goodbye to an all-time great?

Download: Making cricket an interactive experience! Discover Harrison Cricket Apps ODI version. For full screenshots, click here.

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