South Africa have faced a huge setback ahead of their World Cup 2023 encounter against Bangladesh. Proteas’ star pacer Lungi Ngidi has been forced to sit out owing to a minor injury scare.
The two teams are facing off at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the 23rd Match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. South Africa’s stand-in skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bat first.
South Africa decide to bat first
“We will bat first. Trying to approach in a similar way to the English game. It’s really hot. It took a toll on everyone, it’s advantage fielding in the evening. It proves that anyone can beat anyone. We took lesson from that Netherlands game, it’s a new day today. We need to try and repeat the same thing.”, Markram said after winning the toss.
However, while announcing the team, Markram revealed that Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the game due to a small niggle. The team management, keeping in mind that South Africa still have 5 more games to go after this one, have decided to rest him for the game against Bangladesh, naming Lizaad Williams as the replacement.
“Ngidi has a niggle, he misses out, Lizaad comes in.”, Markram revealed.
Lizaad Williams replaces Lungi Ngidi
Ngidi has been in decent form this World Cup, having picked 6 wickets in 4 games for South Africa. In the 30 overs that Ngidi has bowled in this tournament, the right-arm pacer has given away just 150 runs at an economy rate of 5.
Lizaad Williams, who comes in as a replacement for the injured Ngidi, has played just one ODI game for South Africa prior to this one. However, he boasts a ‘List-A’ career of 59 games in which he has picked up 77 wickets.
In another setback, South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma has also been ruled out of the game due to illness. Bavuma missed South Africa’s last game against England where the Proteas won by a mammoth margin of 229 runs.
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