The Netherlands will take on the mighty South Africans in the second game of the three-match ODI series tomorrow (Friday) at the Williowmoore Park in Benoni. For those unaware, the first match of the series had taken place in November 2021, which was abandoned due to rain. The remaining two ODIs had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
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These two ODIs are of utmost significance for the Proteas side, with respect to their direct qualification (as the eighth team) for the ODI World Cup this year in October and November. A win in both the matches will all but seal their berth, and will not require them to play the Qualifiers stage of the tournament in June-July.
Hence, the think tank has decided to field the side’s best possible playing XI during the series, as the Dutch side simply cannot be taken for granted, especially considering how they had upset them for the first time in International Cricket during the T20 World Cup 2022.
Netherlands, on the other hand, will have to play the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe regardless the series result, as they are presently placed at the bottom of the ODI Super League points table.
Willowmoore Park Benoni Pitch Report
The Willowmoore Park in Benoni is set to host its first ODI tomorrow since September 2016, when Australia had defeated Ireland by nine wickets.
South Africa’s ODI skipper Temba Bavuma had made his debut in the format during the last ODI South Africa had played at this venue in September 2016 as well.
With the city of Benoni set to host an ODI after more than six years, it is rather difficult to predict how the pitch is likely to behave on Friday. However, with an average score of 253 runs across the 20 complete matches (ODI format) played here since 1997, does make it a decent track for batters.
During an ODI here in 2010 against Zimbabwe, South Africa has posted a humongous total of 399/6 while batting first. Both pacers and spinners have not really got significant assistance from this surface in the format, with only Muthiah Muralidaran having being able to pick a fifer here so far, against Pakistan in 1998.
Last ODI result at the Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Australia had registered a one-sided victory by 9 wickets against Ireland, during the last ODI at this venue in 2016. Chasing the target of 199, the Aussies got over the line with 119 balls to spare.
