With the series level at 1-1, this game would be very crucial for both the sides.
South Africa have been found to be struggling with their middle order. South Africa's middle-order issues isn't something new. They've been struggling in that department for a while and Faf du Plessis' absence isn't making things easier. In both matches thus far, the openers got them off to a brilliant powerplay but the acceleration in the middle phases has been a major problem. In the second match we saw David Miller promoted to number 4, ahead of Rassie van der Dussen as well as Heinrich Klaasen. The latter has been in poor form of late.
It was much of the same in the second match, just this time, the guys put in an electric performance in the field and with the ball. Anrich Nortje, George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi in particular were the star performers although Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi picked up key wickets as well.
West Indies is no short on fire power in their batting line up but their spin issues are evident especially in the middle period of the match. This is where they would probably like an anchor kind of player to help stabilize things. That's exactly where George Linde and Tabraiz Shamsi managed to squeeze things and bring SA right back into the match to defend another 160+ run target.
Finding the right combinations for South Africa will be an important part of their world cup preparation. The seam-bowling allrounders, Wiaan Mulder and Andile Phehlukwayo are yet to have a go in this series. Aiden Markram and Janneman Malan, both had a stellar series against Pakistan and are options to open alongside Quinton De Kock. The former can also turn his arm for an extra bowling option if they want to persist with the six batters, one spinning all-rounder, three seamers and a spinner.
West Indies's big hitters never stop, they still have Shimron Hetmyer and Sunil Marine (when available) to add to the mix. Lendl Simmons could also possibly slot in at the top of the order.
The pitch seemed like it assisted the spinners more in the second match than in the first which saw 5 wickets fall to spin. The weather has held up and with drier conditions the pitch will most likely be favorable for batting once again.
South Africa (probable): Quinton De Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks/Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo/Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
West Indies (probable): Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher/Lendl Simmons, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), Jason Holder, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Fabian Allen, Kevin Sinclair, Obed McCoy
Dream11 Fantasy Team: Quinton De Kock (C), Chris Gayle (VC), Reeza Hendricks, Evin Lewis, Rassie van der Dussen, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, George Linde, Dwayne Bravo. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
