As of now, India hold the top position in the World Cup 2023 points table, having accumulated 14 points through their performance in the first seven matches.
They are set to face the Proteas, who have secured 12 points from their seven games. It’s worth noting that both India and South Africa have now secured their places in the 2023 World Cup’s knockout stages.
“It’s going to be a different challenge to the one the last time the two table-toppers met when India faced New Zealand a few weeks ago and completely swamped them. This one will be tougher because South Africa has got an all-round side just like India,” said Sunil Gavaskar to India Today.
He went on to say that South Africa’s batters are in form while heaping praise on their terrific bowling attack. South Africa has won six of their seven matches in the tournament, losing only against the Netherlands last month.
“They’ve got batters who are in incredible form, perhaps in better form than the Indian batters. They’ve also got a terrific new-ball attack and a spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who generally tends to be underestimated, has picked wickets regularly,” Gavaskar added.
Despite being second on the points table, South Africa boasts a net run rate of +2.290, while India have a net run rate of +2.102. A win for either side would give them a huge boost to finish at the top of the points table in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup.
(With IANS Inputs)
