India is set to take on South Africa in Match 13 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday. The Group B match is set to start at 9:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). Both the sides IND and SA are going into the match at the back of an emphatic win. Catch the updated Points Table of ICC Cricket World Cup here.
AB de Villiers has been handed over the charge of doing for South African cricket what none of his other established predecessors could manage, to rid the side of the ‘chokers’ tag. Even as they beat Zimbabwe easily, there were moments where they stuttered, where their fearsome Top 4 failed, where their most potent bowler Dale Steyn was taken to the cleaners. Also Get: ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Schedule in IST: Time Table, Fixture & Venue Details of all WC 2015 Matches.
Meanwhile, Indian skipper MS Dhoni and the team management will breathe a sigh of relief following the win against Pakistan. It was more than simply bringing an end to a long run of winless streak Down Under, it was a war within a war. The manner in which the entire team stepped up under pressure will put the side in a much better mental state of mind going ahead in the tournament.
On paper, South Africa have a much stronger unit with the likes of Hashim Amla,
AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock and David Miller in the Top 6. However, it is their bowling line-up comprising of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander which makes the major difference between the two sides.
Even as India have a good fielding unit, South Africa are a class apart. However, much like in the past never judge South Africa’s class based on their World Cup performance. They have to battle a lot of demons to succeed at the bigger stage, despite a wealth of talent at their disposal. The past would count for little except a few funny ad jingles.
South Africa have a flawless record against India, but the world champions could well trouble the statisticians this time around.
India: MS Dhoni (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Stuart Binny, Umesh Yadav
South Africa: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla (vice-captain), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock (wkt), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn.
ICC Cricket World Cup, 7th Match, Pool A: Afghanistan v Bangladesh at Canberra, Feb 18, 2015
Bangladesh won by 105 runs
Bangladesh 267 (50.0 ov)
Afghanistan 162 (42.5 ov)
Bangladesh have gone on a victory lap of honour here. Thanking their fans. They haven't won the World Cup yet, though. Just shows how rare success at international level is for them that a win against Afghanistan is celebrated thusly
A comprehensive win for Bangladesh in response to their defeat at the hands of Afghanistan last year. The WC debutatnts began promisingly but Bangladesh were patient and waited for the inexperience to show. Mushfiqur and Shakib turned the game around with their fifties, and then the bowlers sealed the deal. That's all we have for you today. Thanks for joining us
"It's a great feeling," says Mushfiqur Rahim, the Man of the Match. "Credit also goes to openers. They didn't get the runs, but it is not that easy up front. They faced out important overs. Thanks to the crowd. My father is here, my uncle is here, it is a great moment.""Definitely first match is important and we have set the tone," says Mashrafe Mortaza. "We had a reasonable start today. Mushy and Shakib were brilliant. That kind of match where you have some pressure. I am happy we adapted. And thank you all the supporters
Ireland won by 4 wickets (with 25 balls remaining)
आयरलैंड ने पाल स्टर्लिंग, एड जायस और नील ओ ब्रायन के तूफानी अर्धशतकों की मदद से आईसीसी क्रिकेट विश्व कप के अपने पहले ही मैच में वेस्टइंडीज को चार विकेट हराकर बड़ा उलटफेर किया. इस दौरान आयरलैंड के फैंस का एक्साइटमेंट देखने लायक था. आयरलैंड के फैंस के जबर्दस्त उत्साह की एक झलक