Mauka...Mauka...

India meets South Africa later today at the backdrop of the much advertised fact that India has not defeated South Africa in the last three times in the world cup. The record is very much similar to the euphoria that surrounded the fact that Pakistan had not defeated India in the world cup so far. 

But in a competitive match like this, these records hardly have any significance. Even if there was no such record to be broken, India would still like to end on a winning note, to add 2 more points to the pool tally.

Both South Africa and India are coming into this match with a win under their belt, though the wins had been rather contrasting. India in its victory against Pakistan excelled in all the departments. South Africa on the other hand, though posted a high score courtesy Miller and Duminy carnage, Zimbabwe did chase it with ease before it collapsed towards the end. India would be high on confidence after such a performance. South Africa on the other hand may not be bothered by the closeness of their previous contest. They are good enough a team to understand what went wrong and move forward, rather than dwell on it.

When you compare the three departments for the two teams, both of them are equally good when it comes to batting line up. When it come to fielding, though the current Indian team is good, but in terms of consistency, South Africa scores better. South Africa does have a better pace attack than India and India might be vulnerable to that, but India does play spin very well. On the other hand, South Africa is vulnerable to spin and play pace very well. In bowling department as well South Africa looks a little better.

Both the teams are expected to retain the same squad as that played in their previous match. The last time India played at the MCG, a month ago, Rohit Sharma made 138. All the top order batsmen are among runs. Both Umesh and Shami bowled with purpose against Pakistan. Ashwin was at his best against Pakistan. The only worry is that Dhoni is not among runs.

For South Africa, Duminy and Miller had a world record partnership in their opener. The top order did not fire then but with South Africa one cannot expect the same to happen in every game. Amla and de Kock are explosive batsmen. de Kock is a bit vulnerable against spin, so India may open with Ashwin. Imran Tahir or Behardien may be the bowlers who will be targeted by India.

It is going to be a close contest and there is little to choose between the team. The result of the match may determine the pool topper finally.