South Africa vs West Indies, RSA vs WI, Today Match Prediction 16 March 2023

sa vs win Match Prediction & Analysis

It is the first game of the three-match ODI series and hosts South Africa will look for an early lead against West Indies. They haven't lost a home series since 2021 and defeated the strong English side a few months back. West Indies come here with a series loss against New Zealand, and they have struggled in ODI cricket in recent months.  

West Indies are going through a rough patch. They have won only once in their last 10 games, and the constant churning of players hasn't helped the side. Against South Africa, the side has struggled in the past. The South Africans have an excellent record at this venue and will look to extend their run with a win.

TEAMS PREVIEW

South Africa Preview

It was a comfortable victory for the hosts in the two-match Test series, and Temba Bavuma will look to carry this momentum into the ODIs. They are missing some of their key players who are busy with T20 leagues. However, they have a strong group of players, and Bavuma shall look to stamp his side's authority in the game and take an early lead in the series.   

Openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock will look to deliver a strong start to the innings in this game. Temba Bavuma must anchor the innings at No. 3 and add runs with Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs. Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder can hit the ball hard, and the side will expect runs from them down the order.  

Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin must bowl good spells with the new ball and get the best out of this wicket. Andile Phehlukwayo and Anrich Nortje are experienced bowlers and must keep the scoring rate under check. Keshav Maharaj has to do well in the supporting act though the wicket isn't going to help him.

South Africa Predicted Playing XI:

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Bjorn Fortuin, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder

West Indies Preview

Shai Hope takes over as captain, the fourth skipper in ODIs in the last three years. As a skipper, he will face formidable opposition in this debut game and needs to get the best out of his players. The team management would like to see Hope leading from the front and breaking their losing streak.   

Shai Hope and Rovmann Powell must deliver a good start, as this has been one of the biggest problems for the team. The side would like to see runs from Roston Chase, Brandon King and Shamarah Brooks in the middle order. Pooran is an excellent striker, and he will need to up the scoring rate down the order with Jason Holder and Kyle Mayers.  

The South Africans have a strong batting line-up, and early wickets will be key to success. The side will expect a good show with the new ball from Alzarri Joseph and Shannon Gabriel. Jason Holder must bring his experience to play and bowl good lines in the middle overs with Kyle Mayers. Akeal Hosein and Chase need to do well in the supporting act.

West Indies Predicted Playing XI:

Shai Hope (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shamarh Brooks, Brandon King, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Rovmann Powell, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Shannon Gabriel

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

We will have a thick cloud cover in East London, and there are chances of rain during the game. The wicket is flat, but bowlers will find assistance on this surface. The side batting first in this game will aim at a score of 280 runs which can be defended with quality bowling.

Venue Details

Buffalo Park, East London, has short boundaries and allows batsmen to play their strokes without fear. There is bounce and movement on the surface, and fast bowlers enjoy bowling on this track. It is a challenging venue for the spinners as the ball doesn't grip the surface and allows batsmen to score easily. 

Toss: To Bowl

The weather conditions will be a deciding factor at the toss. The wicket will have a lot of bounce and pace in the early overs. The side winning the toss will look to take advantage of the conditions and won't hesitate to bowl first.