South Africa vs India: ODI 1st match predictions and betting tips

The mighty Indian team will face the legendary Proteas in the 1^st ODI match of India tour of South Africa this Sunday, 17 December 2023, at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. While India will try to soothe their tragic defeat in the recent ICC Cricket World Cup final with a deserving win against South Africa, Proteas will also try their best to defend their glory on their own home ground.

There is no doubt that the cricketing world will witness a never-before battle when these two titans face each other in front of a 34,000 roaring crowd this weekend.

Predictions for the South Africa vs India match

India is in a desperate situation as it is their 1^st ODI match after their tragic World Cup run, where they have won all 9 group-stage matches and the semifinal against New Zealand before losing the final against Australia. However, most cricket pundits still believe that the current Indian squad is the best ODI side that has the skills and experience to defeat any team.

On the other hand, South Africa is also quite furious, as they have shown brilliant performance in their recent World Cup stint, where they reached the semifinals but faced a loss against Australia. It is the 5^th time the Proteas reached the semifinals at the World Cup but failed to secure their place in the finals.

⚡ Quick betting tips for South Africa vs India match

• India to score a total of more than 270.5 runs – ➡️ 1.83 at 1xBet ⬅️
• David Miller to become the “Top batter” – ➡️ 13.50 at Rajabets ⬅️
• KL Rahul to become the “Player of the Match” – ➡️ 11.50 at 10CRIC ⬅️

📝 South Africa vs India betting tips

India is by far the clear favourite for the 1^st ODI of the 3-match One-Day series in India tour of South Africa. They have been in excellent form since the Asia Cup and have shown steady performances in every competition since then. Even after their World Cup defeat, they snatched the T20 series victory against the same Australian side.

However, South Africa also looks promising, as they have successfully snatched the first T20 victory against India in the ongoing tour. They also have the required talent pool to turn the table. That’s why most cricketing experts are now favouring alternate markets rather than the traditional ones.

1. India to score a total of more than 270.5 runs – 1.83 at 1xBet

India always had a strong batting lineup. With the development of modern cricket in the Subcontinental scenario, the Indian batting force strengthened even further. Now, India has one of the best batting lineups, star-studded with experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, along with new-age sensations like Shubman Gill.

However, neither of these three icons will appear in this ODI series, as KL Rahul will be leading the side. Despite the absence of three maestros, the young batting brigade of India, consisting of talented players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Rituraj Gaikwad and Rinku Singh, is well capable of defeating South Africa on their home soil.

2. David Miller to become the “Top Batter” – 13.50 at Rajabets

Like India, South Africa will also not be playing with their full strength, as players like Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are rested for this series. The entire batting strength of the Proteas will concentrate on three players: David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen. Among these three, Miller is the most experienced one who can lead the side with his own effort.

David Miller has an excellent track record against India, especially in ODIs. Although he scored just 501 runs in total in 25 ODI matches against India with a batting average of 26.36, he secured a strike rate of 96.34 in these matches. He is also well aware of the current Indian bowling strength, as he regularly plays with them during his IPL stint for the Gujrat Titans.

3. KL Rahul to become the “Player of the Match” – 11.50 at 10CRIC

KL Rahul indeed filled the vacuum created in the wicketkeeping position after the retirement of MS Dhoni from international cricket. He is not just good with the gloves but is equally talented with his bat. Rahul already showed his batting prowess in the middle order in the recent World Cup. Even when the entire Indian team failed to perform against Australia in the final, it was KL Rahul who scored 66 and created some resistance.

This 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter will be leading the Indian side in this ODI match in the absence of both Kohli and Sharma. Although KL Rahul played just 5 games against South Africa in his entire career, he can challenge any bowler and score big runs in any pitch condition. Indian fans are now hopeful that they will witness an amazing captaincy and a great batting stint from Rahul in the ongoing ODI series.

South Africa vs India match details

Pitch condition for the South Africa vs India match

The Wanderers Stadium has a batting-friendly pitch that has witnessed several 300+ scores in ODIs. However, the pitch will have some moisture due to the constant rainfall and excessive humidity.

South Africa starting XI

Aiden Markram (C), Ottniel Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Kyle Verreynne

India starting XI

KL Rahul (C), Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Axar Patel, Rajat Patidar, Sai Sudharsan, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar

Previous matches between South Africa and India

South Africa and India met each other in 91 ODI matches till now. The Proteas won 50 matches, while the Indian side won 38. 3 ODI matches had no results.

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