Kane Williamson set to miss ODI World Cup 2023 match against South Africa, Ferguson likely to make comeback

New Zealand is set to face the in-form South Africa in the 32nd match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at MCA Stadium in Pune. As the World Cup has reached its business end, the significance of each match has become more important than ever as the team that will emerge victorious in this match will more or less book their spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Given the importance of the match, New Zealand will be desperate to bring out their best XI in the field given the injury concerns they have been facing in the tournament but it is more unlikely as their captain and premier batsman Kane Williamson is still not fit to take part in the crucial encounter against the Proteas. On the other hand, Lockie Ferguson who suffered an Achilles niggle during the match against Australia in Dharamshala is expected to recover and be available for the selection against South Africa.

Kane Williamson who suffered an ACL injury while fielding in the first match of the IPL in March was out of cricketing action for months because of the injury and was also set to miss the ODI World Cup in India. But in a miraculous turn of events, he recovered from it and took part in the World Cup after missing only the first two matches.

Unfortunately, he again got injured during the match against Bangladesh when he got his left thumb fractured by a throw from the fielder. Williamson’s unfortunate injury is a big blow for New Zealand as he is their most experienced batsman in the team. Though Will Young, who was picked in the XI as Williamson’s replacement has fared well with the bat still New Zealand must be hoping for Williamson’s speedy recovery as he is a vital cog in their setup.

It is expected to be a run-fest in Pune

Both the teams are sitting comfortably at the top of the table currently but would want to win this game at any cost as a loss here would put them in a must-win situation in their remaining matches which could result in unnecessary pressure and no team would like to be in such a situation.

However, today’s match is expected to be a high-scoring encounter as Pune’s wicket is known to favour batsmen as the ball comes nicely onto the bat here and dew could also play a part in the second innings of the match so the fans could again expect a high scoring encounter between both the teams.