Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
 |
| Image credit: Cricwizz |
Kimberley is diamond-mining country, and though both sides are approaching this ODI series with different motivations, each will be looking to shine most on the day.
South Africa, both through forced and unforced changes, will field an especially inexperienced ODI batting line up, with a focus on giving as many players time in the middle ahead of next year’s World Cup. The Proteas are due to play just 16 ODIs between now and their first game in next year’s big dance, so the opportunities to impress are limited. Dean Elgar, whilst not many’s first choice for ODI opener, gets a chance, and so too the likes of Heinrich Klaasen and Christiaan Jonker. Can they grab the opportunity with both hands, backed by a strong Proteas bowling attack?
While there will be no World Cup for Zimbabwe next year, they are desperate to improve their on-field performances. Struck down by continuous financial troubles and player strikes, the men in red suffered a horrible 5-0 loss against Pakistan in their last outing, and this is a chance to put that nightmare behind them. The likes of Craig Ervine, Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor are welcomed with open arms, giving the batting line up a lot more substance than what was on display at home a couple of months back. Against a South Africa side missing Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla and David Miller, can Zimbabwe cause a headache or two?
P.S., I’m absolutely thrilled to partner with onlinecricstore.com, the most comprehensive Online Cricket Store you’ll see! Through me, you can enjoy discounts on 700+ products through a single code!
Key to a South Africa win
The pitch in Kimberley is typically flat and good for batting, so South Africa’s World Cup hopefuls have an excellent opportunity to get in the runs. Aiden Markram will be glad to be back in South Africa are a difficult tour of Sri Lanka, whilst Dean Elgar, Reeza Hendricks and JP Duminy have an important role to play up top. South Africa fans will certainly be encouraged by Duminy and Hendricks’ exploits in the ODI series in Sri Lanka, and will be looking for more of the same here.
Also, South Africa’s attack looks a beauty. In the diamond-mining city of Kimberley, the Proteas possess their own diamonds, with an attack of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi enough to make even stronger sides quake in their boots. Will they be effective and ruthless on what is expected to be a good batting track? What platform can they lay for their dangerous wristspinners – either Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi (or both)?
Key to a Zimbabwe win
The loss of Blessing Muzarabani to England is a huge blow to Zimbabwe, given his potential. However, they do welcome back Kyle Jarvis after missing the tough series against Pakistan, and he will have to lead the attack with venom. Against a South African batting line up filled with ODI inexperience, the Zimbabweans have to see an opportunity here, sniffing out early wickets, coupled with good middle and death overs bowling.
If they are any chance of backing up coach Lalchand Rajput’s statement that his team are “diamonds in the rough”, their bowling needs to perform. With South Africa boasting a world class attack, the batting will sure be tested, and the likes of Solomon Mire, Hamilton Mazakadza, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine and Sean Williams need to hold their own to give Zimbabwe a chance at a good total. Solomon Mire, in particular, was superb against Pakistan and Australia in the recent Zimbabwe T20I Tri-Series, so whether he can continue that form after his injury remains to be seen.
If the men in red can give South Africa a tough time in their own backyard, they will feel a whole lot better about themselves.
Possible XIs
As mentioned, the Proteas will be without a number of first choice batsmen. In the bowling department, Dale Steyn returns to the ODI side after two years, and has
expressed his desire to go to the World Cup, as reported by Bimal Mirwani.
South Africa possible XI: 1. Dean Elgar, 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. JP Duminy (c), 5. Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6. Christiaan Jonker, 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Andile Phuhlekwayo, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Dale Steyn, 11. Imran Tahir
Zimbabwe will welcome back a few key players, but will still be missing Sikandar Raza and Graeme Cremer.
Zimbabwe possible XI: 1. Solomon Mire, 2. Hamilton Mazakadza (c), 3. Craig Ervine, 4. Brendan Taylor, 5. Sean Williams, 6. Ryan Murray (wk), 7. Elton Chigumbura, 8. Wellington Mazakadza, 9. Kyle Jarvis, 10. Tendai Chatara, 11. Richard Ngarva
It’s
Dream11 time, and there are decent options to go with from both sides. Below is my team, with a few pointers below.
- Brendan Taylor is a huge key for Zimbabwe, and his career-best 145* came in South Africa. He or Heinrich Klaasen are good options.
- I was impressed with Reeza Hendricks in Sri Lanka, and on a good batting pitch, expect South Africa’s openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram to also be in the runs.
- I would have liked to captain JP Duminy, but what if South Africa bat second and are chasing a low score? Kagiso Rabada is my skipper, with Lungi Ngidi (10 wickets at 20.10 in Sri Lanka ODIs) my pick over Dale Steyn. Imran Tahir and Kyle Jarvis also get a run.
Stats and Facts
- South Africa have won 35 of 38 ODIs against Zimbabwe.
- Brendan Taylor’s career-best 145* was against South Africa in South Africa in 2010.
- Dale Steyn will likely play his first ODI in two years.
Prediction
Hoping this will be a competitive contest, but South Africa are deservedly overwhelming favourites.
There is substance to believe Zimbabwe can be competitive today, but South Africa should be too strong and take a 1-0 series lead.
Thanks for reading!
P.S., I’m absolutely thrilled to partner with
onlinecricstore.com, the most comprehensive Online Cricket Store you’ll see! Through me, you can enjoy discounts on 700+ products through a single code!
