On the back of South Africa and India winning their respective opening matches, their bout against one another on Sunday is bound to be one hell of a firecracker.

While we are discussing firecrackers, have you seen the ad poking fun at India for not having won a single game against the African giants in the World Cups?

Yes, it’s true. India may have won the World Cup, but they have never beaten a team that is disreputable for falling apart under trying situations.

India and South Africa meet face each other for the fourth time in the World Cups this Sunday.

India face South Africa for the fourth time in World Cups

Both teams have met on three occasions – 1992, 1996 and 2011 – with South Africa proving formidable every single time.

There’s no question that India looked at its prime against arch-rivals Pakistan while handing them a 76-run defeat last Sunday. South Africa, on the other hand, faced Zimbabwe beating them convincingly by 62 runs.

India’s batting line-up, after a long time, looked steady with Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina scoring big runs. Though South Africa’s top-order did appear vulnerable against their African counterparts, it could be brushed off as a one-time bad experience.

India will be keen on beating South Africa for the first time in World Cups

It was good to see India’s bowling come to the party for once as it bundled out Pakistan for just 224 runs. While chasing the mammoth total set by South Africa, Zimbabwe did manage to score 277.

This Sunday, the competition will be against Indian batsmen and South African bowlers. South African bowling will be led by Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, two of the fiercest pace bowlers in modern day cricket.

South Africa would like to keep their unbeaten record against India

While India and South Africa will be competing, all eyes will be on Gary Kirsten, former India coach under whom team India won the World Cup in 2011. Kirsten, who joined South Africa as a consultant, will like to play a key part in his team winning cricket’s most coveted prize this year.

One of the interesting facts about South Africa in World Cups is that they have faced a fate bad than worse after defeating India every single time.

Rain saved England against South Africa at the 1992 World Cup

Would history repeat itself or will India beat South Africa, in the process, altering the latter’s “jinx” at the World Cups?

Regardless, a huge crowd is expected at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the 22^nd of February. India vs South Africa will be a contest that will keep you wanting for more.

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Yuvraj Singh’s exclusion from the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup came as a shock to every cricket fan. One of the questions that most Indians asked is who would emulate Singh’s role in this year’s World Cup.

Well, one candidate has stepped up expressing the same desire and his name is Suresh Raina.

Suresh Raina hopes to emulate Yuvraj Singh’s performance during the 2015 World Cup

While speaking to bcci.tv, the Indian middle-order batsman said, “I want to play Yuvraj Singh’s role in this World Cup. I want to field, bowl and bat well”.

The 28-year-old southpaw displayed his dominance in India’s opener against arch-rivals Pakistan last Sunday. His worthy score of 74 runs off 56 deliveries helped India register the total of 300 runs, eventually helping his team win by a margin of 76 runs.

Raina played a crucial knock against Pakistan by scoring 74 runs off 56 balls

Raina claims to have looked up to Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni as inspirations. “I observed Yuvi and saw how he used to finish games for the side”.

No one has ever questioned Raina’s ability to score big runs during crunch situations. He can also come in handy with his off-spin and carries agility of a leopard while fielding.

Prior to the World Cup, India played in a forgettable tour against Australia. A win in the opening match of the biggest cricket tournament, however, would have definitely given India the much-needed boost to go all the way and retain the trophy.

The victory against Pakistan gave India an impressive lead of 6-0 in the World Cups. Raina talked about every match against the arch-rivals being a high pressure one hoping to maintain the unbeaten record against them.

India beat Pakistan by 76 runs on Sunday

Suresh Raina has started the World Cup campaign on a perfect note. India captain MS Dhoni was all praises for the left-handed batsman after his innings against Pakistan.

India’s next match is against South Africa on 22^nd February where they will try to combat a malicious bowling attack that includes Dale Steyn. India have never beaten South Africa in World Cups, but with the current form that Suresh Raina and team India are in, the tides might finally change.

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