And the 12th edition of ICC World Cup 2019 is upon us. It's the World Cup where only 10 teams in the world are fighting for the silverware. However debatable that is, it also means that it is one of the rare world cups, which has no minnows!
I know some of you must be wondering if I had forgotten Bangladesh or Afghanistan in my last statement, but no. Infact, the weakest team I believe isn't either of them this time but it is Sri Lanka. Even Sri Lanka, on a decent day, can beat the number 1 team. So it will be a competitive World Cup, as Virat Kohli pointed out. The punters will have a tough time. And the nails have to be longer because expect a lot of nail biting.
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| South Africa vs England- Preview ICC World Cup 2019 PC: Times of India |
Let's start with the preview of England vs Sri Lanka, the first game of the tournament.
Here are the absolutely essential details first
Date: 30-May-2019
Time: 15.00 IST
Match: England vs South Africa
Venue: The Oval, England
Pitch: Batting wicket with a tinge of green
Probable XIs
Where to watch: Hotstar, Star Sports 1,2
Time: 15.00 IST
Match: England vs South Africa
Venue: The Oval, England
Pitch: Batting wicket with a tinge of green
Probable XIs
Where to watch: Hotstar, Star Sports 1,2
England
1. Jason Roy
2. Johnny Bairstow (wk)
3. Joe Root
4. Eoin Morgan(c)
5. Jos Buttler
6. Ben Stokes
7. Moeen Ali
8. Chris Woakes
9. Joffra Archer
10.Adil Rashid
11.Liam Plunkett
1. Jason Roy
2. Johnny Bairstow (wk)
3. Joe Root
4. Eoin Morgan(c)
5. Jos Buttler
6. Ben Stokes
7. Moeen Ali
8. Chris Woakes
9. Joffra Archer
10.Adil Rashid
11.Liam Plunkett
A batting powerhouse with dramatic rise to number 1 in last 4 years after the dismal drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh in 2015 World Cup, England is the most clear favourites in the event. The expectations are high from their never-ending batting order that goes down to 11.
Key Player: Jos Buttler.
The unstoppable player who has turned a corner in the last 2 years. He can quickly take the game away from Faf's men.
The unstoppable player who has turned a corner in the last 2 years. He can quickly take the game away from Faf's men.
South Africa
1. Hashim Amla
2. Quinton De Kock (wk)
3. Faf Du Plessis(c)
4. Rassie Van Dussen
5. David Miller
6. JP Duminy
7. Andile Phehlukwayo
8. Chris Morris
9. Kagiso Rabada
10.Lungi Ngidi
11.Imran Tahir
1. Hashim Amla
2. Quinton De Kock (wk)
3. Faf Du Plessis(c)
4. Rassie Van Dussen
5. David Miller
6. JP Duminy
7. Andile Phehlukwayo
8. Chris Morris
9. Kagiso Rabada
10.Lungi Ngidi
11.Imran Tahir
South Africa isnt coming with the best 11 ever in the World Cup. Unlike England, they are the underdogs in this clash. The weakened batting order after AB Devilliers' retirement, adds to woes. The top order is solid, and the x-factor rests in the wonderful bowling line-up. But can this strong bowling have answers to England's batting?
Key Player: Imran Tahir
One man who can induce a panic in England batting order is Imran Tahir. With form behind him, he could be the key man in this game.
One man who can induce a panic in England batting order is Imran Tahir. With form behind him, he could be the key man in this game.
