South Africa vs Netherlands – 1st One-Day International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is South Africa vs Netherlands taking place? Friday, November 26th, 2021 – 08:00 (UK)
Where is South Africa vs Netherlands taking place? SuperSport Park, Centurion
What is the expected weather for South Africa vs Netherlands? 22c and largely dry, but a chance of rain early on, with consistent cloud cover
What channel is South Africa vs Netherlands on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream South Africa vs Netherlands? The match can be streamed live on the SkyGo app
LAST MEETING
South Africa beat Netherlands by 83 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa lock horns with Netherlands for the first time in this three-match One Day International series having beaten their opponents in each of the four previous times they have faced each other in 50 over competition.
- Bowler Keshav Maharaj will captain a side that sees a large number of their usual starting players rested such as wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, batters Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen alongside fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada.
- Lungi Ngidi was set to be a part of the Proteas team for this series, but has since been ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19, whilst bowling all-round Wayne Parnell returns to the South African squad following an almost four-and-a-half-year absence.
NETHERLANDS
- Netherlands will be hoping to put a disappointing T20 World Cup tournament behind them with a strong showing in this 50 over series, although they face an exceedingly difficult challenge.
- The tourists do contain a number of experienced players within their ranks such as captain Pieter Seelaar, plus all-rounders Colin Ackermann and Roelof van der Merwe, whilst Stephan Myburgh and Max O’Dowd are expected to open the batting.
- Skipper Seelaar will be unable to call upon the services of batters Ben Cooper and Tobias Visee, who have each withdrawn themselves from selection for personal reasons alongside bowler Paul van Meekeren.
THE PREDICTION
For the first time in their cricketing history, Netherlands are set to take to the field in South Africa to play the Proteas in a competitive fixture. Whilst South Africa may lack star names with many players rested following the T20 World Cup, the hosts still boast a very capable group of players who will be looking to take advantage of a Netherlands side possibly still low on confidence after losing three of their T20 World Cup fixtures.
The 50 over format will allow both batting line-ups time to settle at the crease on what is expected to be a good pitch at SuperSport Park. However, Netherlands will still be up against some top-class operators with the ball in particular such as Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and the recalled Parnell. These South African bowlers should be able to restrict Netherlands to a manageable total whether they be batting first or second, whilst the home side’s batters should find things easier in comparison. When taking this into account, a fairly comfortable win for South Africa looks very much on the cards.
