India’s performance in the ongoing World Cup has been awe-inspiring, to say the least. The Men in Blue have won their matches comprehensively so far against Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka.

With 14 points secured from seven games, the Rohit Sharma-led side has qualified for the semi-finals with two league fixtures to spare. 

India will face South Africa in a top of the table clash at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday (November 5). 

On the eve of the match, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said that the Proteas have an all-round team and will present a tougher challenge to India than New Zealand.

“It’s going to be a different challenge to the one when the last time the two table-toppers met when India faced New Zealand a few weeks ago and completely swamped them. This one will be tougher because South Africa has got an all-round side just like India,” Gavaskar told India Today.

“They’ve got batters who are in incredible form, perhaps in better form than the Indian batters. They’ve also got a terrific new-ball attack and a spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who generally tends to be underestimated, has picked wickets regularly,” he added.

Just like India, South Africa have also qualified for the final four round of the World Cup 2023 with six wins from seven games.

Despite being second on the points table, South Africa’s net run-rate is superior to India. While the Bavuma-led side boasts a net run-rate of +2.290, the hosts have a net run-rate of +2.102.