RSA vs WI 1st ODI Prediction 16 Mar 2023

After an entertaining 2-match test series, it’s time for the ODI leg of the tour. South Africa will host the West Indies in a 3-match ODI series and the first match will take place on Thursday.

• Temba Bavuma, who led South Africa to a clean sweep in his Test captaincy debut, is now aiming for a repeat performance when the Proteas take on the West Indies.
• Meanwhile, West Indian captain Shai Hope is also on the lookout for a winning strategy as his team enters a crucial period.
• This series is not part of the World Cup Super League.

RSA vs WI – 1st ODI – Venue Details

Venue: Buffalo Park, East London

Date: March 16th 2023

Time: 13:00 (local)

RSA vs WI – 1st ODI – Team Previews

South Africa

South Africa will begin a three-match one-day international series against the West Indies at Buffalo Park in East London on Thursday. The series could serve as a tune-up for the South African team ahead of their upcoming matches against the Netherlands.

Coincidentally, the South Africans will play their first match against the Dutch on the same day that the Kiwis and Lankans complete their series, adding to the excitement.

The South African team has a new coach in Walter, who will be taking charge for the first time after being appointed last month. Although he has worked with the team in the past as a strength and conditioning coach, he has spent the last seven years coaching in New Zealand.

The hosts will be missing many key players, giving new faces like Tony de Zorzi, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, and Lizaad Williams a chance to make their mark. However, it’s unlikely that all of them will be involved in the opening match of the series.

West Indies

The upcoming three-match ODI series between the West Indies and South Africa may be more critical for the West Indies than for their hosts. The West Indies are currently holding onto the eighth spot in the World Cup Super League, the final automatic qualifying position for the World Cup in India. If they fail to maintain their spot, they will have to pre-qualify for the tournament.

Shai Hope, who has an impressive one-day record with an average of 48.95 from 104 one-day internationals, will be leading the West Indies team. He took over as captain after Nicholas Pooran resigned from the white-ball leadership following the T20 World Cup last year but is still part of the squad.

The West Indies team will include exciting batters Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, and Shamarh Brooks, as well as white-ball specialist bowler Odean Smith and left-arm-spinner Akeal Hosein.

RSA vs WI – 1st ODI – Probable Playing XI’s

South Africa: de Kock (wk), T Bavuma (Cap), R Hendricks, Van der Dussen, De Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, A Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magala

West Indies: Shai Hope (Cap & wk), Brandon King, S Brooks, N Pooran, Kyle Mayers, R Chase, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Odean Smith, Akeal Hosein, Shannon Gabriel

RSA vs WI – 1st ODI – Pitch Report and Toss Prediction

Buffalo Park’s pitch in East London is favourable for batting, suggesting that the upcoming match is likely to be a high-scoring encounter. Therefore, winning teams may prefer to choose to field first after winning the toss.

RSA vs WI – 1st ODI – Match Prediction

South Africa are in good ODI form at the moment, defeating reigning world champions England in their last assignment. They might have too much for a new-look West Indies side under Shai Hope.