India vs South Africa prediction and betting odds

The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is the 13th edition of the flagship event of the international cricket calendar. The tournament will be held in India from 5 October to 19 November, featuring 10 teams competing in a round-robin format followed by the knockouts.

One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament is the clash between hosts India and South Africa, which will take place on 5 November at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This will be the 38th match of the league stage and a crucial one for both teams as they aim to secure a spot in the top four.

India vs South Africa head-to-head record

India and South Africa have a long and competitive history in ODI cricket, having played 90 matches against each other since 1991. South Africa have the edge over India with 50 wins, while India have 37 victories. Three matches have ended in no result.

In World Cup matches, however, India have a slight advantage over South Africa with three wins out of five encounters. India broke their World Cup jinx against South Africa in 2015, when they beat them by 130 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The last time these two teams met in an ODI was in March 2020, when the first match of a three-game series was washed out due to rain in Dharamsala. The remaining two matches were called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India vs South Africa recent form and performance

India are the favourites to win the World Cup on their home soil, having won the trophy twice before in 1983 and 2011. They are also the top-ranked team in the ICC ODI rankings, with a rating of 121.

India have a formidable batting line-up, led by captain Virat Kohli, who is the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history with 12,169 runs at an average of 59.07. He is also the leading run-getter in World Cup matches among active players, with 1,173 runs at an average of 58.65.

Other key batsmen for India include Rohit Sharma, who is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI history with 9,205 runs at an average of 48.96. He also holds the record for the most double centuries in ODI cricket, with four

Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya are also capable of scoring big runs and providing stability and firepower to the Indian batting order.

India’s bowling attack is equally impressive, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace department. Bumrah is ranked second in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, with 108 wickets in 67 matches at an average of 24.43. He is also known for his accuracy and variations in the death overs.

Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur are also reliable seamers who can swing the ball and pick up wickets. India’s spin options include Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, who can trouble any batting line-up with their variations and guile.

South Africa are ranked fifth in the ICC ODI rankings, with a rating of 100. They have never won the World Cup, despite reaching the semi-finals four times. They are also known for their tendency to choke under pressure in big tournaments.

South Africa have a balanced squad, with experienced players and young talents. Their batting line-up is led by Quinton de Kock, who is ranked seventh in the ICC ODI batting rankings, with 5,151 runs in 123 matches at an average of 44.36. He is also the wicket-keeper and captain of the team.

Other key batsmen for South Africa include Rassie van der Dussen, who is ranked ninth in the ICC ODI batting rankings, with 1,311 runs in 25 matches at an average of 74.94. He is also one of the most consistent performers for South Africa in recent times.

Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen are also solid batsmen who can anchor or accelerate the innings as per the situation.

South Africa’s bowling attack is spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, who is ranked fourth in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, with 122 wickets in 79 matches at an average of 27.34. He is also one of the fastest and most aggressive bowlers in the world.

Other key bowlers for South Africa include Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi and Andile Phehlukwayo, who can provide pace and bounce and exploit the Indian conditions. South Africa’s spin options include Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and George Linde, who can offer variety and control.

India vs South Africa prediction and betting odds

Based on the head-to-head record, recent form and performance, India are the clear favourites to win the match against South Africa. They have a stronger and more settled squad, with more depth and experience. They also have the home advantage, as they are familiar with the conditions and the crowd support.

The betting odds for India to win the match are 1.50, while the odds for South Africa to win are 2.59.

The betting odds for India to score more than 300 runs in the first innings are 2.00, while the odds for South Africa to score more than 300 runs in the first innings are 3.00.

The betting odds for Virat Kohli to be the top batsman for India are 3.00, while the odds for Quinton de Kock to be the top batsman for South Africa are 3.50.

The betting odds for Jasprit Bumrah to be the top bowler for India are 3.50, while the odds for Kagiso Rabada to be the top bowler for South Africa are 4.00.

Conclusion

India vs South Africa is one of the most exciting and competitive matches of the World Cup 2023. Both teams have world-class players and a lot of talent and potential. However, India have an edge over South Africa in terms of form, confidence and home support. Therefore, we predict that India will win the match and strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals.