In the 32nd match of the Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first against South Africa at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on this Wednesday.
This pivotal encounter could potentially secure a place in the semi-finals for the victorious team, while the defeated side may find themselves susceptible to competitors on the hunt. Currently occupying the second and third positions in the standings, the teams are likely to face each other again in the semi-finals if they maintain their rankings at the close of the group stage.
The road to the knockout stages remains long, but this match is crucial in determining the top four positions, bringing the winning team a step closer to securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Remarkably, these two sides haven’t clashed in an ODI since the last World Cup held in England and Wales in 2019. In that unforgettable match, New Zealand emerged victorious, thanks in large part to a remarkable century by their captain, Kane Williamson.
There’s a chance that Kane Williamson, who has been recovering from a thumb injury, may make his return against the Proteas. However, the news isn’t as promising for Lockie Ferguson, the team’s pace spearhead, who is expected to be sidelined due to an Achilles issue. Additionally, Mark Chapman is dealing with a calf injury and remains uncertain for the match.
South Africa, on the other hand, has no new injury concerns. The condition of right-arm fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who missed the Proteas’ recent match against Pakistan due to a back problem, will be evaluated before the game.
