World Cup 2019: South Africa aims to break losing streak against Afghanistan

While South Africa managed to open its account with a single point from an abandoned match, after three defeats, there hardly seems any good news coming their way.

Cardiff has been flooding since a week now and their Saturday’s match against Afghanistan is also at a risk of getting washed out. The Proteas finally seem to have an opportunity to bounce back given the poor performance put up by the underdogs Afghanistan.

Nonetheless, the fight against the Proteas shouldn’t be a difficult one keeping in mind their injuries and track record in ICC tournaments. Both the teams would be looking for a desperate win to keep their hopes alive for the semi-finals.

Toss Prediction:

Since the pitch has been under covers for days, both the teams will be looking to bowl first as the ball might seam and spinners could get caught up in those crucial middle overs.

South Africa:

With injuries mounting over their victories, the Proteas will be trying to set a big target. Captain Faf duPLessis spoke about consistency in selection at a press conference and is likely to give his batsmen another chance to fight it out.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi/Beuran Hendricks, Imran Tahir

Afghanistan:

Rashid Khan failed two concussion tests during the match against New Zealand, however, he performed with ease at the practice sessions. Afghanistan is not expected make any changes to their squad.

Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Ali khil (wk), Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan

Head to Head:

This will be the first time that South Africa and Afghanistan will play an ODI.