BIRMINGHAM, June 18 (Agencies): After registering their first win of the ongoing World Cup against Afghanistan, South Africa will look to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semis alive when they face unbeaten New Zealand in their sixth fixture at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
After losing their first three matches, Proteas came out with a much-improved performance and registered a nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in their last game.
South Africa's bowling will be bolstered by the return of young Lungi Ngidi. The pacer had to miss the last two matches because of a hamstring injury. Just ahead of the clash against New Zealand, the South African camp breathe a sigh of relief as Ngidi was declared fully fit for the match.
On the other hand, New Zealand have been absolutely professional in their approach so far and are sitting at the second spot in the points table with seven points. They started their World Cup campaign with three consecutive wins before their fixture against India ended in a wash-out at Trent Bridge.
The bowlers, consisting Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, have been exceptional.
Squads: 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
New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor.
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