On a high after cruising to a 76-run win against arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match of World Cup 2015, Team India is determined not to let the momentum fizzle. South Africa though enjoy a better head-to-head record - in World Cups and in overall ODIs, and won't give in easily. Get the live cricket scores and live updates from the Melbourne Cricket Ground here (Scorecard | Fixtures | Points Table):
India set for Proteas challenge.
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India's Batting vs South Africa's Bowling
There is no doubt that both India and South Africa would be backing their strengths at the MCG. While the Men in Blue can bat up a storm with effortless ease, the Proteas swear by the prowess of their pacers.
Little doubt then that when India's batsmen face off against South Africa's fast bowlers, sparks will fly. India's top-order wasn't very impressive in the recent tri-nation ODI series Down Under which also featured Australia and England. All of that though vanished from memory when the team smacked 300/7 against Pakistan at Adelaide. The top-order - Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli in particular - looked ominous and brushed the pressure aside with casual ease. A match which is comparatively less stressful, expect the batsmen to play on the front-foot for further glory. (Virat Kohli Says It's India's Batting vs South Africa's Bowling)
There's just one hitch and he's called Dale Steyn. Widely regarded as the world's deadliest pacer, Steyn fought off flu to get ready for the match against the Indians. He's hale, hearty, healthy and hungry - hungry for wickets. Backing him would be the likes of Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel who have the experience to topple any batting line-up on their day.
South Africa Have Kirsten, Donald, Hussey; India Have God!
Much has been said about Gary Kirsten being with the South Africans. True, he can be the trump card as he was India's coach when the team won the World Cup in 2011. He knows the Indian dressing room well and can devise counter strategies to aid AB de Villiers and his men. Add the expertise of Allan Donald and Aussie Mike Hussey and this is one support staff that has more star power than the actual South Africa team!
Speaking of star power, Sachin Tendulkar would be cheering for Team India from the MCG stands. End of that debate! (Thunder Down Under as Sachin Tendulkar Comes Calling)
India vs South Africa Duels in ODIs
There is no doubt that the Proteas have the edge against India in head-to-head records. In 70 ODIs between the two, South Africans have won 42 as against 25 claimed by the Indians.
In World Cups, the Proteas have a 3-0 edge. In last five ODIs played by each of the two teams, the South Africans once again edge ahead with four triumphs as against one for India (including the washed out Sydney ODI on January 26 against Australia).
Records and numbers don't stand for too long, or at least that's what die-hard Indian fans would be hoping.
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