Team India, who managed to extend their winning record against Pakistan in World Cup, will now be looking to change their own losing streak against South Africa in the coveted tournament. MS Dhoni romped to a 76-run win over Pakistan to began their World Cup campaign on a winning note. On the other hand, South Africans got the better of Zimbabwe after witnessing early hiccups in their 62-run win at Hamilton. Both the teams have won their opening games and will be looking to extend their winning run in the tournament when they lock horns in the Pool B game on Sunday.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: India vs South Africa Match

India take on South Africa in their second game at the ICC World Cup 2015 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on February 22, 2015. This is another big game for both sides, who are considered the strongest in Group B. India have lost all three games(1992,1999 and 2011) they’ve played against South Africa in the World Cup. Even though South Africa have come out on top against the Indian team in World Cups, the two teams are pretty evenly matched which makes the clash furthermore exciting.

Watch : Funny Hilarious South African Ad taunting Indian fans!

According to the global odds, South Africa, expectedly, are the favourites. The predictions suggest that they have a 63% chance of winning the game while only 37% believe that India might be able to enforce a positive result.

The last time India and South Africa played each other in the World Cup was during the previous edition in 2011. Despite Sachin Tendulkar’s century, South Africa fought back with Dale Steyn taking a fifer. It was India’s only defeat during that title winning run. However, this Indian team has many new faces, most of whom were a part of the side that beat South Africa during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013.

Five battles that’ll decide Sunday’s clash:

India’s vice-captain Virat Kohli is confident of a strong show against South Africa in their second Pool B match of World Cup 2015. Dhoni’s side boast a formidable batting line-up which will face a stern test against the fiery bowling attack of the Proteas. The match will feature crucial battles between the players that will in turn decide the fate of the game.

Virat Kohli vs Dale Steyn:

The 26-year-old Delhi lad is arguably the best batsmen in the current Indian squad and the onus will be once again on him to perform in the crucial match. The right-hander showcased his batting prowess against Pakistan with a match-winning hundred. The South African pace machine has been phenomenal against India and the Proteas will be counting on the 31-year-old bowler to come good in the crunch game.

AB de Villiers vs Mohit Sharma:

The 31-year-old South African skipper is currently enjoying the form of his life. Armed with some of the most innovative cricketing shots, De Villiers is more than capable of tearing the opposition’s bowling attack. It will be Sharma’s accuracy against De Villiers’ innovation in Sunday’s clash.

Suresh Raina vs Imran Tahir:

The 28-year-old middle-order batsman has been vital cog in the Indian team over the years. His presence adds the much-needed stability to the Indian middle-order. Despite batting down the order, Raina has proved his worth with some crucial innings in the past. The mid-innings battle between these two will be crucial for their respective sides.

Hashim Amla vs Mohammed Shami:

The 31-year-old right-hander has been busy scoring runs and breaking records with his bat. An elegant strokeplayer blessed with the temperament to back his skills, Amla has been a crucial player for South Africa over the past few years. Shami’s test will be against one of most consistent batsmen when his side takes the field against South Africa on Sunday.

Shikhar Dhawan vs Morne Morkel:

The Delhi southpaw was pivotal in the ousting of experienced Indian openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir from the Indian team. But, Dhawan failed to maintain consistency in his batting that has attracted a lot of criticism in the recent tours. His recent return to form will only add more trouble for the Proteas in Sunday’s clash.

Source: indiatoday.intoday.in

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