The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, in its 13th installment, marks the most significant cricket event on the global stage. This extravaganza is set to unfold in India, commencing on October 5 and culminating on November 19. A total of ten teams will engage in an initial round-robin contest, followed by the enthralling knockout rounds. A standout fixture in this cricketing fiesta is the encounter between the tournament hosts, India, and formidable South Africa, scheduled for November 5 at the illustrious Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This particular showdown represents the 38th contest in the preliminary phase and holds immense importance as both teams strive to secure a berth in the coveted top four.

India vs. South Africa Head-to-Head Tussle

India and South Africa share a storied history in One Day International (ODI) cricket, partaking in 90 skirmishes since their inaugural confrontation in 1991. The scales tip slightly in South Africa’s favor, with 50 triumphs under their belt, whereas India has etched 37 victories in their annals. Remarkably, three skirmishes culminated without a victor. Turning the spotlight on World Cup affairs, India sports a slender upper hand against South Africa, clinching victory in three of the five clashes. Notably, India managed to break their World Cup hoodoo against South Africa in 2015, delivering a comprehensive 130-run triumph at the hallowed Melbourne Cricket Ground. Their most recent ODI collision unfolded in March 2020, as the opening bout of a three-match series met an untimely end, succumbing to nature’s fury in Dharamsala. The pandemic-induced disruption saw the curtain fall prematurely on the remaining two encounters.

Current Form and Performance of India vs. South Africa

The grandeur of the World Cup casts India as the frontrunners, particularly when defending their fortress. They bear the distinction of World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011. Furthermore, they occupy the pinnacle of the ICC ODI rankings, wielding a formidable rating of 121. The Indian lineup boasts a formidable batting unit, spearheaded by none other than the indomitable captain, Virat Kohli. Kohli stands as the second-highest run accumulator in ODI history, amassing a staggering 12,169 runs at a commendable average of 59.07. His World Cup run tally ranks him at the zenith among active players, accumulating 1,173 runs at an enviable average of 58.65.

The batting arsenal extends its potency with Rohit Sharma, the third-highest run accumulator in ODI history, boasting 9,205 runs at a solid average of 48.96. Sharma holds a unique distinction in the realm of ODI cricket, having notched up a record four double centuries. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya add to the firepower, capable of amassing substantial runs and lending essential stability to the Indian batting order.

India’s bowling stockpile is equally impressive, helmed by Jasprit Bumrah, who assumes the role of pace maestro. Bumrah nestles in the second position of the ICC ODI bowling rankings, amassing a formidable tally of 108 wickets from 67 outings, accompanied by a commendable average of 24.43. His reputation is solidified by his precision and versatility in the death overs. The seam department enjoys the support of Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Shardul Thakur, who reliably swing the ball and snare vital wickets. The spin quartet includes Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav, masters in artful variations and guile.

South Africa, positioned at fifth in the ICC ODI rankings with a rating of 100, bears the weight of history. Despite venturing into the World Cup semi-finals on four occasions, the elusive title continues to evade their grasp. A recurring Achilles’ heel surfaces in their propensity to falter under pressure in significant tournaments.

South Africa’s ensemble is a harmonious blend, uniting seasoned campaigners with burgeoning talents. Quinton de Kock, perched at the seventh rung in the ICC ODI batting rankings, boasts a repertoire of 5,151 runs in 123 matches, with an average of 44.36. De Kock dons the dual hat of wicket-keeper and captain for the squad. The batting assembly also draws strength from the likes of Rassie van der Dussen, standing ninth in the ICC ODI batting rankings, with 1,311 runs from 25 appearances, flaunting an imposing average of 74.94. This stability persists, with the contributions of Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen, capable of anchoring or igniting the innings as the circumstance necessitates.

South Africa’s bowling unit marches forth under the banner of Kagiso Rabada, residing at the fourth perch in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Rabada’s tally of 122 scalps in 79 contests, coupled with an average of 27.34, underscores his role as one of the world’s speed demons. Additional aces in the form of Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Andile Phehlukwayo furnish pace and bounce, adept at capitalizing on Indian conditions. The spin department embraces the expertise of Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, and George Linde, contributing variety and control to South Africa’s bowling ranks.

Predicting India vs. South Africa and the Betting Odds

Contemplating their historical clashes, recent performances, and overall standing, India emerges as the preeminent contender in the impending skirmish against South Africa. India exudes superiority with a more fortified and experienced roster. The home turf factor further bolsters their case, bestowing familiarity with conditions and fervent crowd backing.

On the front of betting odds, the probability of India seizing victory stands at 1.50, while the odds for South Africa clinching triumph hover at 2.59. For both squads to amass over 300 runs in the initial innings, the odds are pegged at 2.00 for India and 3.00 for South Africa. The race for top batsman sees Virat Kohli representing India with odds at 3.00, while Quinton de Kock stands as the preferred choice for South Africa, boasting odds of 3.50. In the bowling domain, the spotlight falls on Jasprit Bumrah, favored with 3.50 odds to be India’s top bowler, whereas Kagiso Rabada earns the mantle for South Africa, flaunting odds of 4.00.

Also Read: Top Esports Betting Sites for Indian Gamblers

Cricket Clash of Titans: India vs. South Africa 2023

Prepare for a thrilling cricket spectacle as India and South Africa gear up for an epic face-off in 2023. In this engaging battle of white-ball cricket, the two cricket giants will play a total of six matches, featuring a mix of T20Is and ODIs.

Two Different Cricket Styles

The series will kick off with a three-match T20I series running from September 28 to October 4. Then, the cricket action will switch gears to a three-match ODI series scheduled from October 6 to 11.

T20Is: Quick and Exciting

T20Is, the shorter format, are known for their quick and intense gameplay, with both teams looking to score big in a limited number of overs.

ODIs: Classic 50-Over Action

On the other hand, ODIs provide a more classic and enduring cricket experience with a full 50-over match.

Diverse Cricketing Arenas

These exciting battles will take place in six different cricket stadiums, each with its unique charm and history.

T20I Showdowns

The T20Is will be hosted at three captivating venues:

• The Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram
• The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati
• The Holkar Stadium in Indore

ODI Battles

For the ODI series, the action will shift to three different stadiums:

• The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow
• The JSCA Stadium in Ranchi
• The iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi

Unveiling the Teams and Squads

The excitement continues to build as the teams and squads for the India vs. South Africa 2023 series have been recently unveiled. It’s a great time to check them out and see if your favorite players have made the cut.

Catch the Action Live

Cricket fans across India can catch all the live action on the Star Sports network. For those who prefer staying updated online, live scores will be available on the official website of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Sportskeeda.com.

Live Streaming

Additionally, you can watch the matches live on the Disney+ Hotstar website and application, ensuring you don’t miss any of the thrilling moments.

So, mark your calendars for this memorable cricket showdown in 2023. The battles between India and South Africa promise to be a cricketing extravaganza that no sports enthusiast would want to miss! 

India vs. South Africa ICC World Cup 2023 Men’s Teams

In the highly anticipated clash between India and South Africa at the ICC World Cup 2023, let’s explore the expected squads for both teams and their intriguing head-to-head history.

Expected ICC World Cup squad for the Indian team

• Rohit Sharma ©
• Shubman Gill
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer
• Suryakumar Yadav
• Hardik Pandya
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammad Siraj
• Yuzvendra Chahal
• Kuldeep Yadav

Expected ICC World Cup squad for the South African team

• Quinton de Kock
• Tenda Bavuma ©
• Rassie van der Dussen
• Aiden Markram
• Heinrich Klaasen
• David Miller
• Marco Jansen
• Keshav Maharaj
• Anrich Nortje
• Lungi Ngidi
• Tabraiz Shamsi

India vs. South Africa World Cup Head To Head

A glance at their head-to-head encounters in ODI matches at the World Cup reveals an intriguing history:

Team	Matches	Won	Lost	Tied	Highest Score	Lowest Score
India	5	2	3	–	307	180* (rain-curtailed)
South Africa	5	3	2	–	300	177

(*India’s lowest score was in a rain-curtailed match)

India vs. South Africa World Cup Stats Year-wise

Taking a trip down memory lane, let’s review India vs. South Africa World Cup encounters year by year:

• 1992: South Africa won by 6 wickets
  • Round Robin Group Stage, 15th March 1992
  • India posted 180/6 in 30 overs, thanks to Azharuddin’s 77-ball 79. However, South Africa won in the last over with Peter Kirsten top-scoring with 84.
• 1999: South Africa won by 4 wickets
  • Group Stage, 15th May 1999
  • Sourav Ganguly’s 142-ball 97 set India’s target at 254. Jacques Kallis played a remarkable 128-ball 96 before being run out, and vital contributions from Mark Boucher and Lance Klusener secured SA’s victory.
• 2011: South Africa won by 3 wickets
  • Group Stage, 12th March 2011
  • India batted first with Sachin, Sehwag, and Gambhir delivering. However, they lost their last 9 wickets for just 29 runs. Chasing 297, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, and AB De Villiers contributed to a thrilling final-over win.
• 2015: India won by 130 runs
  • Group Stage, 22nd February 2015
  • India posted 307/7 with Shikhar Dhawan’s 146-ball 137 and Ajinkya Rahane’s 79 off 60 deliveries. In reply, South Africa was bowled out for just 177, with Ashwin picking 3 wickets.
• 2019: India won by 6 wickets
  • Round Robin Group Stage, 5th June 2019
  • India started well with Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal grabbing wickets. In reply, India faced batting challenges, but Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 122 secured victory.

Also Read: Players with Most Centuries in Single ODI World Cup

India vs. South Africa World Cup Match Top Picks

Keep an eye on these standout players for the upcoming India vs. South Africa cricket match at the World Cup:

• Virat Kohli: With an impressive record of 1403 runs in 28 ODI innings against South Africa, Kohli boasts 8 fifties and 4 hundreds, making him a key player.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah has taken 17 wickets in 11 ODIs against South Africa, including 6 two-wicket hauls. He is crucial to your fantasy team’s success.
• Shreyas Iyer: Iyer, with 293 runs in 8 innings against South Africa, brings consistency with an average of 48.83 and a strike rate of 99.6.
• Heinrich Klaasen: Klaasen’s 248 runs in 7 innings against India at an average of 49.60 make him a reliable middle-order batsman for the South African team.
• Marco Jansen: Keep an eye on the rising star, Marco Jansen, who, despite limited exposure against India, brings a unique combination of left-arm pace and extra height that can pose challenges for the Indian batters.

Conclusion

The impending showdown of India against South Africa promises to be a riveting and fiercely contested affair within the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Both teams command world-class players and possess an abundant reservoir of talent and potential. Nonetheless, India’s edge in form, confidence, and the privilege of performing on home soil suggests a probable triumph in this contest. Such a victory would not only secure their advancement to the semi-finals but also catapult them closer to seizing the coveted World Cup title once more.

This intricate analysis endeavors to furnish a comprehensive panorama of the forthcoming confrontation and proffers invaluable insights into the intricacies and anticipations enveloping this much-anticipated spectacle in the realm of cricket.