An exhilarating clash awaits at Mumbai’s legendary Wankhede Stadium for the 23rd ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match, featuring fierce rivals South Africa and Bangladesh. The Proteas have traditionally overpowered Bangladesh in One Day International matches between the teams, emerging victorious in 18 of their 24 previous encounters.
However, the Tigers have recently demonstrated an ability to compete with and defeat their more esteemed opponents. Bangladesh has won 3 of the last 5 ODI meetings against the usually dominant South Africans. An electric atmosphere is anticipated for what promises to be an enthralling contest between two talented cricket nations eager for World Cup success.
In World Cup tournaments, the record is split with 2 wins each. Both teams come into this match needing a win to boost their standings. South Africa is riding high after thrashing England in their last match, while Bangladesh is searching for form after 3 consecutive losses. With the pedigree of South African cricket versus the plucky attitude of Bangladesh, this match is too close to call. Fans can expect a thrilling contest between two desperate teams.
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South Africa Overview
South Africa has found their footing again after the disappointment of losing their opening match against Zimbabwe. The return of Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks to the batting lineup led the Proteas to post a mammoth 399 runs against England.
Bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje also looked dangerous, ripping through the English batting lineup. With new captain Aiden Markram leading from the front, South Africa seems poised to continue their winning ways.
The only concern will be the continued absence of veteran batsman Temba Bavuma, who is struggling with illness. However, the Proteas have shown they have the depth to cover his loss. Overall, South Africa comes into this match with confidence and flair.
Bangladesh Overview
In contrast to their opponents, Bangladesh is desperately seeking to get their World Cup campaign on track after three successive losses. A batting lineup led by veteran Mushfiqur Rahim has failed to fire, posting below par totals.
The bowling has also looked toothless, unable to contain opponents during the chase. Injuries have compounded problems, with captain Shakib Al Hasan ruled out of this match.
However, Bangladesh have the talent to regroup, as evidenced by the superb century opening stand between Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto against India. With their backs against the wall, expect a spirited performance from the Tigers as they look to stay alive in the tournament. The return of strike bowler Mustafizur Rahman will boost their hopes.
vs. Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for South Africa:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Reeza Hendricks
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Gerald Coetzee
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Expected Starting XI for Bangladesh:
- Litton Das
- Tanzid Hasan,
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Towhid Hridoy
- Mushfiqur Rahim (wk)
- Mahmudullah
- Nasum Ahmed
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Shoriful Islam
- Hasan Mahmud
South Africa should retain the same winning XI from their last match against England. The opening partnership of De Kock and Hendricks was prolific, while Klaasen and Van der Dussen provided a solid middle order platform. Bowlers Rabada and Nortje were lethal with the new ball.
For Bangladesh, the absence of Shakib Al Hasan necessitates changes. Mahmudullah could slot into the middle order, while one of the pace bowlers like Shoriful Islam or Hasan Mahmud may get a chance to support strike bowler Mustafizur Rahman. Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim and opening batsman Litton Das must fire for Bangladesh to have any chance.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
vs. Head-to-Head
The One Day International rivalry between cricket giants South Africa and Bangladesh has historically favored the Proteas, who lead the overall head-to-head record 18 wins to 5. However, Bangladesh has shown real tenacity against their more fancied opponents when it matters most – in World Cup clashes.
In World Cup meetings between the two nations, the record is dead even at 2 wins apiece. South Africa won their first 2 World Cup matches against Bangladesh in 2003 and 2011, but the Tigers bounced back to claim victory in 2007 and famously shock the Proteas in the 2019 World Cup. So when it comes to cricket’s biggest stage, Bangladesh has demonstrated a capability to upset South Africa despite the overall ODI head-to-head advantage.
Given this history of Bangladesh’s tenacity against the odds, they have the ability to shock South Africa again, especially with the Proteas missing key batsman Temba Bavuma. This matchup seems harder to predict than the overall record suggests.
Weather & Pitch Report
The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The weather forecast shows a hot day with temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius but no rain expected.
The pitch at Wankhede is usually excellent for batting, with the average first innings score being 245 in ODIs. In the first World Cup match here, South Africa posted an imposing total of 399 against England.
However, the pitch may slow down as the match progresses, bringing spinners into play. Dew in the evening could also impact bowling conditions. Teams will want to bat first and post an imposing total. Overall, another high scoring match seems likely, with 300+ totals well within reach.
South Africa vs. Bangladesh Prediction
Based on current form and a superior head-to-head record, South Africa go in as favorites for this crucial World Cup encounter. Their batting lineup is packed with power hitters like Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, while bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje provide quality.
However, the absence of batsman Temba Bavuma does weaken the Proteas. Bangladesh have the talent in Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das to capitalize if the South African batting misfires early on. The Tigers also get ace bowler Mustafizur Rahman back which boosts their attack.
Overall, South Africa’s balance and winning momentum should see them emerge victorious. But Bangladesh have the ability to rise to the occasion, especially in major tournaments against top teams. Expect a close match, with South Africa needing to be disciplined to avoid a famous Bangladesh upset.
South Africa vs. Bangladesh Betting Tip
For top batsman, Quinton de Kock looks primed to carry on his good form for South Africa. His aggressive approach at the top of the order makes him a likely candidate for a big score. For Bangladesh, senior pro Mushfiqur Rahim is overdue for a major contribution. He has the class to pace a big innings.
In terms of bowling, South African speedster Anrich Nortje seems set to cause problems with his pace and bounce. He could take key wickets in the powerplay overs. For Bangladesh, the continuation of Mustafizur Rahman gives them a genuine wicket-taking threat to keep South Africa’s batting lineup in check. His variations and cutters will be a handful on this surface.
Considering the batting-friendly conditions, betting on a high scoring over 300 run match is advisable, with the team batting first likely to get the advantage.
Backing South Africa to win the match is the safest option. But for those looking for higher odds, Bangladesh pulling off an upset could provide good returns. Their tenacity against top teams makes them live underdogs.
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If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
