In a parallel universe, this is perhaps the ultimate blockbuster of a clash-Australia and South Africa in the last league stage match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Twenty years since one of the greatest One Day Internationals ever played, in which a single run was the difference between South Africa and the semi-finals spot and the match which put Australia well on course for the first of its hat-trick of World Cup titles, the two teams meet in a largely irrelevant match.
However, it can only go on to decide where and who will Australia play in their semi-final. Another win for the Aussies (or India’s defeat against Sri Lanka) will mean they stay in Manchester and play New Zealand. The opposite results would mean Australia will take on England in Edgbaston.
But do they have a favourite opponent? Why would they bother to have one when they have beaten both the sides quite convincingly in the group stages. However, winning the match would mean they do not travel to another city which could be tiring plus who wants to lose out on the winning formula and momentum. For more than anything else, winning is a habit.
For the Proteas though, it is their final chance to play for their pride after a forgettable World Cup outing. Sure enough, they defeated Sri Lanka the other day in a clinical performance, but that has been counted as the one-off performance against an opposition which were counted as not having a chance to lift this trophy.
South Africa have to face a lot of issues when they return home and build their team for the next World Cup. Much of their future plans would revolve around players like Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada. This will perhaps be the last One Day International for Imran Tahir and JP Duminy and what better way to end your career on a winning note?
But can the Proteas lift themselves up, dust themselves off, and muster their strength to fight the Aussies and potentially beat them?
We will find out this Saturday.
The teams meet at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Live action begins from 3 pm (IST) onwards.
Squads:
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, Alex Carey (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon
South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, JP Duminy, Dwaine Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi