India vs South Africa 4th ODI: Pre-match Analysis
South Africa are in crisis mode after losing the first 3 ODIs. However, they will get the much needed boost with the return of AB de Villiers for Pink Day ODI, which will be held at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Interestingly, during the 2015 Pink Day ODI, ABD had smashed 149 off 44 balls on this very ground. Here is our pre-match report.
Can ABD become South Africa's saviour?
AB de Villiers has scored the second most number of runs (706) at the Wanderers Stadium and is only 13 runs behind former South African opener, Herschelle Gibbs. ABD also has slammed the most hundreds (along with Gibbs) on this ground, with 3 to his name. Moreover, his average of 100.85 in 10 innings tells us how much de Villiers loves Wanderers.
India have registered the biggest victory on this ground
The highest total was posted by South Africa when they pummeled West Indies in 2015. In 50 overs, South Africa scored 439/2. The lowest total on this ground is in Pakistan's name, when they were bowled out for 109 by South Africa in January 1995. India have claimed the biggest victory on this ground when they beat Sri Lanka by 183 runs in 2003
The most exciting ODI in cricket history was played here
A total of 45 ODIs have been played at the Wanderers. The team that batted first has been victorious on 20 occasions, whereas the team chasing a total has won 25 times. The highest successful chase on this ground was by South Africa when they chased down Australia's mammoth target of 435 with a ball to spare in March 2006.
Pitch offers a lot of bounce
The outfield at the Wanderers is very quick and it also offers a pitch that can favour both batsmen and bowlers. The pitch is naturally bouncy and on cracks, it gets dangerous for batting. It came under heavy criticism during the 3rd Test between India and South Africa, where Dean Elgar was hit on the head by Bumrah's bouncer.
Ground staff under pressure to prepare safe pitch
The pitch was rated poor by ICC during the 3rd Test and another dangerous pitch could mean the cricket venue could get banned for at least a year from International cricket. Ground staff will have to be very careful in preparing this pitch for the high octane encounter. If they opt to prepare a flat surface, this could be a high scoring match.
