South Africa is set to take on the Netherlands in a 2-match ODI series starting from the 31st of March. The first ODI of the series will be played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Here is Willowmoore Park Benoni Pitch Report for SA vs NED ODI & Records at the Ground.
Important series for South Africa considering the ODI Super League Points Table
Both the games of this series are very crucial especially for South Africa as they have their Super League spot on the line. Proteas are currently in the 10th spot in the points table. After winning the series 2-0 against the Netherlands they will reach 8th position which will guarantee them direct qualification in ODI World Cup 2023.
According to ICC’s new format, the top 8 teams out of 13 get direct entry in the ODI World Cup. The rest of the 5 teams will have to play World Cup qualifiers along with 5 Associate nations.
South Africa has never played World Cup qualifiers and to continue the legacy the proteas need to finish inside the top 8 teams.
South Africa has never lost an ODI against the Netherlands
The proteas are yet to lose a One-day game against the Dutch side. They have faced the Netherlands five times winning 4 out of them. The last ODI between these two teams got washed out back in 2021.
The last time when these two teams played each other was back in the T20 World Cup 2022 where the Dutch side knocked Proteas out of the tournament.
SA vs NL 1st ODI 2023 Date, Time, Venue, and Weather
Date: 31st March, Friday
Time: 4:30 pm (IST)
Venue: Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Weather: There are not very promising signs from the weather forecast in Benoni on Friday. It is expected to rain during the daytime at the venue. It will be a start-stop game that might end up with no result as there is a 60% chance of precipitation.
Willowmoore Park Benoni Pitch Report
The venue doesn’t host many matches although it is an excellent surface. Moreover, the wicket out here helps the seamers with the new ball with a lot of movement of the surface. Furthermore, Batters can also trust the bounce of this surface and we have also seen many high-scoring encounters on this pitch.
The toss winner should opt to bat first at this wicket as it is an appropriate surface to put runs on the board.
ODI Records at the Benoni Cricket Stadium
Total matches: 25
Matches won batting first: 7
Matches won bowling first: 16
Average 1st Inns scores: 231
Average 2nd Inns scores: 181
Highest total recorded: 399/6 (50 Ov) by RSA vs ZIM
Lowest total recorded: 91/10 (26.4 Ov) by NED vs BER
Highest score chased: 258/3 (41.4 Ov) by SL vs RSA
Lowest score defended: 295/5 (50 Ov) by RSA vs ZIM