SA vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra Ruled Out After Head Injury
Ravindra Ruled Out After Injury in Opening Game
New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan started on a high note. Their squad for the tri-series and upcoming Champions Trophy seems well-suited for these conditions. They began the series with a dominant win over Pakistan, controlling the game with both bat and ball. Their spinners played a crucial role, delivering 26 of the 47.5 overs, proving that the dew had little to no impact on spin bowling at the Gaddafi Stadium.
However, there’s bad news regarding player injuries. Rachin Ravindra is out of the tournament after taking a painful hit to the forehead while fielding. The blow caused heavy bleeding and needed stitches. Fortunately, there’s no serious damage, but he is still being monitored for concussion symptoms. Another setback is Lockie Ferguson’s injury, which might take longer to heal, putting his Champions Trophy participation in doubt.
On the other hand, South Africa has not been able to send a full-strength team due to the recently concluded SA20 league. Their squad for the Champions Trophy will be different, but this tri-series gives them a chance to understand the playing conditions. Temba Bavuma leads a squad filled with domestic players, though experienced names like Kyle Verreynne, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Wiaan Mulder are present. Keshav Maharaj and Heinrich Klaasen are expected to play in the next game against Pakistan.
One unique aspect of this game is its timing—it’s the only day match of the series. Since no Champions Trophy games will be played at this time, its relevance is slightly reduced. A morning start and Pakistan’s absence from the match might mean lower crowd turnout. However, with no dew, New Zealand’s spinners could be even more effective.
Recent Form
- South Africa: LLLLW (last five ODIs)
- New Zealand: WLWWL
Players to Watch: Tom Latham & Lungi Ngidi
Tom Latham has been struggling with the bat recently. He scored a duck in the last match and has only managed one run in his two ODI innings this year. His performances in the domestic Super Smash were also underwhelming. With the Champions Trophy ahead, New Zealand will be hoping he finds his form soon, and this weakened South African attack might be the perfect opportunity.
Lungi Ngidi had a disappointing SA20 campaign, and injuries to key bowlers Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee opened the door for his selection in this series. Once a regular in South Africa’s squads, Ngidi now has a chance to prove his worth ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Predicted XIs
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Jason Smith, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder, Mihali Mpongwana, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ethan Bosch, Lungi Ngidi.
Pitch & Conditions
Dew was not an issue in New Zealand’s previous game against Pakistan, and since this is a day match, it won’t be a factor. The weather is expected to be warm and sunny, creating good batting conditions.
Key Stats
- Ngidi is just four wickets away from reaching 100 ODI wickets, making him the 13th South African to achieve this milestone.
- This will be South Africa’s first ODI in Pakistan since 2007. Their last game here was one of their most memorable ODI victories.