De Villiers has scored 1279 runs in 28 matches against India, with as many as six 100-plus knocks.
South Africa's batsman AB de Villiers (R) leaves the crease after being dismissed by Pakistan (Photo: AFP)
After losing a rain-spoiled match to Pakistan on Wednesday, South Africa have switched their focus on their last group stage match of the ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval, eyeing a semi-final place at the mini World Cup.
India, who are scheduled to play Sri Lanka in their second match at The Oval on Thursday, will take on South Africa at the same venue on Sunday. South African coach Russell Domingo has put his bet on their star campaigner AB de Villiers ahead of the D-day.
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"He's a quality player. Everybody gets a first-baller. It's just taken him 200 games," Domingo told ICC after the match on Wednesday, where the 33-year-old was dismissed for a golden duck in 221 ODI appearances.
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Pakistan spinner Imad Wasim was the one who earned this breakthrough and eventually Sarfraz Ahmed's men registered a 19-run win by the Duckworth Lewis method.
Domingo added that De Villiers suffered an injury during the rain-interrupted tie, though it won't affect his chances against the defending champions.
"He did pick up a little bit of a niggle with his hamstring today, but the medical team will look at him. I can't comment until they have had a look. But I'm by no means concerned," he said.
De Villiers has scored 1279 runs in 28 matches against India, with as many as six 100-plus knocks.
"I'm expecting him to put in a big performance on Sunday. He's that type of player; that when the team needs him he'll turn it up. I'm sure about that," the 42-year-old South African coach added.
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