World Cup 2019, Match 5, SA Vs BAN: Today's Predicted Playing 11 and Key Players for South Africa
The 2019 World Cup featured hosts England and South Africa in the inaugural fixture and it ended in a very disappointing loss for the latter. England bundled out South Africa for a meagre total of 207 after posting 311 runs in the first innings. The Proteas would look to bounce back quickly from such a defeat considering that two consecutive losses could put their campaign in serious trouble.
Standing in their way would be a pretty tightly knit group in the form of Bangladesh. The Tigers always punch above their weight and South Africa would have to be alert against their danger. A few key players like Faf Du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada and Quinton De Kock would have to stand up for South Africa in order to beat Bangladesh at the Kennington Oval.
The fact that South Africa are playing at the same venue which hosted their first game could prove to be quite an advantage. Considering that they had to endure a loss, a few changes could be in the offing. This is how the team could line up against Bangladesh.
Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock are expected to open the batting for South Africa. Hashim Amla suffered a concussion after getting hit off a Jofra Archer delivery in the first match. While there were doubts about his possible return to action, Amla came back to bat after Rassie Van Der Dussen was dismissed and put those doubts to rest. Amla couldn't make a substantial contribution thereafter but his return to the field possibly confirms his place in the side. Partnering him will be Quinton De Kock. De Kock carried on his splendid form as he stroked a beautiful 50 against England. The onus will be on this duo to get South Africa off to a flier against Bangladesh.
Aiden Markram failed in the first match and as a result, David Miller is expected to come back into the side. Skipper Faf Du Plessis will bat at the all-important No.3 position. Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, JP Duminy are expected to follow Du Plessis in the line-up. Andile Phehlukwayo will maintain his spot as usual and will bat at No.7 while also chipping in a few overs with his medium-pace bowling.
The all-rounder section could see a slight change with Chris Morris replacing Dwaine Pretorius. Chris Morris adds a bit more spice to South Africa's bowling attack as Pretorious is more of a 6th bowler. The rest of the bowling attack will not see any change as Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Imran Tahir are an integral part of the Proteas unit.
Key Players for South Africa
Batsmen- Faf Du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen
Skipper Faf du Plessis will be important for South Africa as usual. The fact that Du Plessis has only averaged less than 50 only once in the last 6 years stands as a testament to his stature in world cricket. He did have an off day against England but expect him to return back to usual ways against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen has turned out to a massive find for the Proteas. His late start to International Cricket resembles Mike Hussey's career. The thing that stands out for these guys is the temperament and the attitude which drives them to make use of their limited time in International Cricket. In his short International career, Dussen averages an incredible 80.60. No one should be surprised if Dussen carries on his form in the battle against Bangladesh and beyond in this World Cup.
Bowlers- Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir
The fact that Kagiso Rabada is one of the key players for South Africa is a no-brainer. Rabada is one of the leading bowlers in International Cricket and he can be expected to trouble Bangladesh batsmen in a huge way.
Another trump card for South Africa will be the evergreen Imran Tahir. He doesn't look like stopping any time soon and his clever leg spin could trouble Bangladesh in spite of being a team from the sub-continent.
Predicted 11 for South Africa
Hashim Amla, Quinton De Kock (WK), Faf Du Plessis (C), Rassie Van Der Dussen, JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.
Also read - Most runs for tenth wicket in world cup
Follow Sportskeeda for all the updates on World Cup 2019 schedule, news, points table, live scores, most runs, world cup most wickets and fantasy tips.