SA vs AUS, 1st ODI | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Quinton de Kock is back for the ODIs [X.com]

On Thursday, hosts South Africa will lock horns with Australia in the first ODI of the five-match series. The high-octane clash is set to take place at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. 

SA vs AUS: Team Previews

South Africa

Contrary to expectations, South Africa were crushed by the visitors in all three T20Is, suffering a 3-0 whitewash in the series. However, their ODI team sees the return of core players like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje and hence the hosts are expected to put up a much evolved performance. 

While De Kock will open alongside Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen will bat in the middle order. Meanwhile, the Proteas bowling unit has enough firepower, studded with Rabada, Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Jansen along with a world-class spinner in Keshav Maharaj.

Australia

Mitchell Marsh is in the form of his life [X.com]

On the contrary, Australia showcased their prowess with bat and ball in the T20Is and look supremely confident heading to the ODIs. While Mitchell Marsh mercilessly hammered the Proteas bowlers to all parts of the ground, Sean Abbott exhibited his commendable ability to bowl across phases. 

So, the Aussies would be keen to replicate the same level of success in the ODIs, and they could very well achieve it, with David Warner, Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood back in the setup. They will certainly miss Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins, but they have enough quality players, who are pretty much capable of filling the giant shoes.

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SA vs AUS 1st ODI: Match Details & Live Streaming

SA vs AUS 1st ODI: Mangaung Oval pitch report

The surface at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein will primarily assist the batters, with its pace and bounce being ideal for stroke play. However, as it's a day-night game, we might see a hint of seam movement later in the evening. But the track won't likely slow down, so the batters can capitalise on the favourable batting conditions if they negotiate the new ball spell. The chasing sides have won more games than teams batting first; so, whoever wins the toss might opt to chase. 

SA vs AUS 1st ODI: Playing XIs

Both teams have named their playing XIs. 

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrch Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee

Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh (C), Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

SA vs AUS 1st ODI: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

SA vs AUS 1st ODI: Winner Prediction

Both teams have incredible lineups, but considering their current form, we reckon Australia will emerge victorious in this match. 

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