ICC World Cup 2023: Top of the table clash

India look to continue unbeaten run against in-form South Africa to stay atop at Eden Gardens

Nearly 32 years back to the week, the City of Joy turned up in large numbers to welcome South Africa back to the international cricket fold. After more than three decades of isolation owing to their apartheid policy, the South Africans made a triumphant return to the world stage, not so much winning a three-match ODI series (India clinched it 2-1) as winning hearts and touching lives with their humility and gratitude.

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Much-awaited challenge

Temba Bavuma’s men can’t, and won’t, expect the same reception as Clive Rice’s team did in 1991 when they take on red-hot India in a sparks-guaranteed top-of-the-table clash at the iconic Eden Gardens on Sunday. Themselves on a journey of self-fulfillment based on aggression and freedom, South Africa’s run-heavy batting unit will brace for a trial by fire, just as India’s remarkable bowling group will be ready for their most demanding challenge of the World Cup thus far.
The most runs India have conceded in the competition is 273 (to New Zealand in Dharamsala); South Africa have amassed five totals in excess of 300, among them efforts of 428 and 399. Jasprit Bumrah (15 wickets) and Mohammed Shami (14 in three outings) have been in serious rhythm, while Quinton de Kock has spearheaded South Africa’s powerhouse batting displays with four hundreds and a tournament-high 545 runs. Something will have to give on Sunday, and there are no prizes for guessing what a packed, passionate, partisan Eden crowd will be hoping for.

Loss won’t cause much harm

In the immediate context of the tournament, the result may not appear to hold that much significance. Unbeaten India are already through the semi-finals, South Africa are all but there. This result will, in all probability, decide which of these sides finishes on top of the table and who comes in second, and while the outcome may not influence the course of events should they both make the November 19 final in Ahmedabad, it won’t be the worst thing for morale and belief to tick a significant box on the morrow.

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India are waking up to the reality of life without Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder who was ruled out of the rest of the tournament on Saturday with an ankle injury. Having placed their eggs in the specialists’ baskets in the last two games, the hosts will draw confidence from the fact that the two first innings at this venue during the World Cup have only yielded totals of 229 and 204; the first was enough for the Netherlands against Bangladesh, the second was too inadequate for the latter with Pakistan racing to a seven-wicket win with nearly 18 overs to spare.

South Africa will need to reassess their batting approach, both because of the nature of the surface and India’s propensity to kill off contests with a clutch of wickets in the Powerplay. This should be a wonderful game of cat-and-mouse.

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