SA look for early progression to round two
Cricinfo previews the Group C match between India and South Africa
Match Facts
Sunday, May 2, Gros IsletStart time 0930 (1330 GMT)
The Big Picture
India could complain about having to play two matches on the weekend and then having nothing to do over the rest of the week, but that's a price you pay for being the main commercial draw of the tournament. You play on the weekend, you play in prime time. Two of India's other three matches are on Friday and Sunday, and are meant to start at 7pm India time. They have had a good enough start to their tournament, with a win against Afghanistan, but starting against major opposition they would like to show they deserve the prime-time slots they get.Form guide (most recent first)
India WWLLLSouth Africa WLLWW
Watch out for...
M Vijay, the late replacement for Virender Sehwag, got his Twenty20 international career off to a good start with 48 against Afghanistan, but the big test of how well India are doing without Sehwag will come against a strong team like South Africa.Team news
India made an interesting move against Afghanistan, picking both Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja ahead of a sixth specialist batsman. Apart from that mini dilemma, India should play the same XI.Pitch and conditions
After the first day of the matches in St Lucia, it is evident boundaries are not easy to come by. It is a big ground, and the outfield is slightly lush, which will put more impetus on quick running and out-cricket. The pitch is a bit slow too, which will keep the spinners interested. An early-morning start could mean a bit of moisture in the track.Stats and trivia
- India lead the head-to-head 2-1, having won twice in South Africa before losing once in England.
Quotes
"Ultimately it is an honour, a privilege to put yourself in a position to win the tournament. But it's a long way away at the moment from every team here. So we are just going to focus on India, which is our first game."Graeme Smith is not yet thinking about the big knockout matches
MS Dhoni says his players aren't fatigued
Sidharth Monga is a staff writer at Cricinfo