The two dominant teams on the ICC Rankings Table are all ready to face each other at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The big ticket clash will feature New Zealand and South Africa, the two teams among the top 4 teams, playing against each other. With a winning streak of 4, New Zealand has lost in only two matches while on the other hand, the Proteas have emerged victorious in five games out of the six matches they have played.
A quantum leap for the Kiwis?
As New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, it was witnessed that New Zealand’s star studded spinner Lockie Ferguson won’t be playing against South Africa today. Despite having a brilliant wicket-taking record, Ferguson has been ruled out the clash for another ace bowler Tim Southee. Lockie Ferguson having played marvellously in the previous matches sustained an injury during the recent match in Dharamshala. After having bowled in only 3 overs, Ferguson didn’t return to the field after experiencing pain in his right Achilles.
Confirming Lockie’s outing in the match against the Proteas, New Zealand Cricket stated “Lockie Ferguson is off the field after experiencing pain in his right Achilles while bowling. He won’t return to the field and will be further assessed.”
Southee’s prominent comeback
The veteran spinner Tim Southee will return to New Zealand’s Playing XI against South Africa. As an experienced bowler, Tim Southee’s inclusion in the squad can prove to be prominent for the team though Ferguson has remained a protuberant player for the Kiwis. Fans will eagerly await Ferguson to play in the further matches as New Zealand will set its path to mark their presence in the semi-finals. The Black Caps will have to essentially win at least one match out the three retaining matches to seal their spots in the semis.
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