Champions Trophy: India vs. South Africa, Match 1, Group B - SA Preview

Pace battery: Steyn is a doubtful starter and in his absence, Morkel will have to shoulder a huge responsibility. (Getty Images)

There could be some happy news for the Indian fans with speedster Dale Steyn unlikely to feature in the Champions Trophy opener owing to a side strain. But Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe could be fiery enough for the fragile-looking Indian top-order barring Virat Kohli and. The real test for the South African bowling attack though would be bowling to the middle-order, where Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni could look to dictate terms.

Rory Kleinveldt, the giant fast bowler, might get an opportunity in the absence ofSteyn and along with Ryan Mclaren, could complete the four-man pace attack.

All eyes will be on the South African batting order consisting of Hashim Amla, Ab de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and Jean-Paul Duminy to dominate the inexperienced Indian pace bowlers. Colin Ingram, Farhaan Behardien and David Miller will be fighting for a lone spot in the middle order, with Ingram likely to get the captain’s nod, after a fine century against Pakistan in their last ODI series at home. There could also be a possibility of one of Faf or Ingram opening the batting along with Amla to give Miller a place in the side at the cost of Alviro Petersen, after the formers brilliant performances during the recently-concluded Indian Premier League.

Conditions

With a sunny day expected at the Cardiff on Thursday, there won’t be much of assistance to the swing bowlers in the latter stages of the game. If the batsmen could hold on without losing wickets for the initial 10-15 overs, then they could possibly make merry, as was witnessed during the India – Australia warm-up game on Tuesday.

Head to Head

India and South Africa have met each other 66 times, with South Africa emerging victorious in 40 matches. The last time they met was in the 2011 World Cup, where South Africa won a nail-biter by three wickets.

In Champions Trophy, they have played two games, with India winning both the games in 2000 and 2002.

Key Player

Deadly: De Villiers and Amla could prove to be devastating if they got going. (Getty Images)

de Villiers has been in staggering form over the past few years in all the formats of the game and should he get going for the Proteas, the Indians could be in for serious trouble. If Steyn misses the encounter today, then de Villiers would have to hold back one of Morkel and Tsotsobe to have a go at Kohli and Dhoni.

South Africa’s strategy

de Villiers has made it clear that their plan would be to attack in the first fifteen overs, with both the bat and the ball. He might elect to bowl first to put the Indian batters in trouble with a strong pace attack at his helm.

Probable XI

Hashim Amla, Colin Ingram, Ab de Villiers(C/WK), Francois du Plessis, JP Duminy, Alviro Petersen/ David Miller, Ryan Mclaren, Rory Kleinveldt/ Dale Steyn, Robin Peterson, Morne Morkel, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

Prediction

Form favours India and with Steyn doubtful for today’s game, South Africa might just look half good as their original attack. But you never know, cricket is a funny game!