- Date: Wednesday November 1, 08:30 GMT
- Location: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
- Teams: New Zealand vs South Africa
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Kiwis and Proteas clash set have big bearing on race for semi-final spot
Both New Zealand and South Africa have both emerged as serious contenders, especially after pre-tournament second favourites England have endured a torrid tournament. South Africa sit second in the table on 10 points, two behind leaders, favourites and hosts India. New Zealand are on eight points and sit third, level on points with Australia. The Kiwis need a win to strengthen their position as both the Aussies and surprise package Afghanistan are closing in.
New Zealand
New Zealand always seem to perform to their best in ICC competitions. They have been runners up in the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and will hope to upset the form book and go one better in 2023. Other than a losses to hosts and favourites India and in-form Australia, the Kiwis have been in winning form.
Opener Rachin Ravindra has scored 406 runs in his six innings, while Daryl Mitchell has recorded 322 in five, and the duo will need to be at their best to give their side a solid platform to build from.
After a superb 57 from 39 balls last time out, James Neesham is set to continue down the order alongside Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry.
New Zealand squad:
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.
South Africa
South Africa have never made a Cricket World Cup final. They have made four semi-finals and lost on each occasion. They have started in impressive fashion in India and will be hoping to make a serious challenge having been installed as second favourites behind the hosts.The only blemish on their record to date has been a shock defeat to the Netherlands.
South Africa will probably still be without the injured Sisanda Magala and Anrich Nortje. The pair are unlikely to be risked with South Africa looking likely to make the knockout stages and the management keen to have them available for the semi-final.
Kagiso Rabada could return after missing out against Pakistan. Captian Temba Bavuma has missed two matches with illness should be recovered and, therefore, available for selection.
South Africa Squad:
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.
Prediction
South Africa go into the match as favourites but it will be close as New Zealand are living up to their tradition of performing well in World Cups, so expect a close game. We predict a narrow win for South Africa.
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