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Key features of IND vs SA –

1. Early wickets for Bumrah caused pressure on SA resulting in a low total of 227.

2. Chahal’s magical spell of 4/51(10) lead to a collapse but unfortunately couldn’t get any support from the bowlers bowling from the other hand which resulted in small partnerships in the middle order by Miller, Phehlukwayo, Morris and Rabada taking the total to 227 when they could’ve restricted them to a lesser total.

3. Rohit was the highest scorer of the match with a 122(144)*. He also became the Third centurion of World Cup 2019.

4. Dhoni giving the stand which Rohit was looking for making it easier for them to chase the target no matter what the required run rate was.

Post-match analysis –

1. Dhawan and Kohli’s form a huge concern in this round robin format of the tournament.

2. India start off their campaign with a victory and South Africa register their third consecutive loss in the World Cup for the first time in history, and are almost certain not to qualify for the playoffs.

3. MSD and Rahul are playing really well in the middle order and can be an asset when the top order fails against top teams later on like Australia next on Sunday.

4. South Africa needs some miracles by their newcomer Beuran Hendricks and everyone in the team currently as well in the future matches to get into winning ways and open their account on the points table. They play the ever-so-terrifying Windies next.

Key features of BAN vs NZ –

1. Shakib once again the highest and consistent scorer for Bangladesh scoring a 64(68) and Saifuddin with a good cameo at the end of 29(22).

2. Matt Henry once again proved his worth with the ball with a spell of 4/47(9.2) and Boult proving his death over ability again by picking up a couple of important wickets not giving Bangladesh a chance to score big in the death overs.

3. Ross Taylor once again proved to be the pillar of the middle order of New Zealand and scored 82(91).

4. Small contributions by Neesham, Grandhomme and Santner helped the Kiwis reach the target easily.

Post Match Analysis –

1. Tamim’s form a huge concern for Bangladesh and Liton Das has been terrific in his last recent matches and hence could be tried out in place of him after this loss.

2. New Zealand becomes the first team to register two wins in the World Cup 2019 and looks a strong team to play against with their continuously increasing morale and confidence.

3. New Zealand might even be the first team to register 3 consecutive wins in this World Cup knowing they take on Afghanistan next, and be in a commanding position on the Points Table. On the other hand, Bangladesh has to take on the hosts who were defeated by Pakistan and hence would like to come strong against Bangladesh and have the upper hand throughout the 100 overs.

4. Bangladesh gave a target of 245 and took 8 wickets of a strong New Zealand batting lineup, and has already defeated South Africa earlier. So, it’s certain that Bangladesh cannot be counted out of the tournament and will be a strong team to play against.

Up Next –

Australia vs West Indies.

Both teams come off with a comfortable win against Afghanistan and Pakistan respectively. Both teams have a strong and a balanced side making both of them equally capable of winning tomorrow’s game.

Battles worth watching –

Starc and Cummins vs Gayle and Hope

Thomas, Holder and Russell vs Finch, Warner and Smith

Remember that Gayle and Russell got injured in the previous game against Pakistan and them missing out means Australia having the upper hand. If they’re fit, it will be a strong contest to watch out!