South Africa vs. India: Date, Live Stream, TV Info, Preview

South Africa and India lock horns in Melbourne on Sunday in what is expected to be one of the most tightly contested matches of the group.

Date: Sunday, February 22

Time: 2:30 p.m. local/3:30 a.m. GMT

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground

Weather: No problem on the weather front; according to AccuWeather.com, it's going to be a balmy 36 degrees in Melbourne. 

TV Info and Live Stream: The official broadcasters of the 2015 Cricket World Cup are Sky Sports (UK) and ESPN (U.S.). Mobile coverage is available via the Sky Go app and Watch ESPN.

Overview

India have never beaten South Africa in a World Cup. However, as the defending champions, don’t expect India to simply roll over when they take on South Africa in Melbourne.

Both teams have had a test run at the ground recently and both know all too well that the large square boundaries will present the toughest challenge. With two batting line-ups bustling with talent and players in form, it’s all set up for a spectacular clash.

From a starting XI perspective, it is unlikely that there will be any major changes. South Africa have confirmed that Imran Tahir will most likely play and Farhaan Behardien will retain his place at No. 7.

For India, the three-man pace attack backed up with two spinners will be the most likely formula. The track is certainly not conducive to spin, so South Africa will be relying on their experienced quicks to rattle India.

South Africa’s bowlers will have to be clever in their approach, though. The myth that India’s batsmen can’t play the short ball has long been dispelled and the Proteas will have to guard against persisting with their short-ball strategy which has cost them in the past.

The weather is likely to be all clear, the stadium is going to be packed (mostly with Indian supporters) and two of the world’s best teams take each other on in what should be a fascinating clash.  

Key players

South Africa

After getting out cheaply in the first match, thanks largely to a superb catch, AB de Villiers will be keen to make up for some of the lost time in the middle. As a player seemingly in the form of his life and on a track which should be perfectly suited to him, De Villiers will be a crucial part of South Africa’s approach.

India

Fresh off a century against rivals Pakistan and as the future Indian captain, Virat Kohli will have a point to prove. He’s hitting centuries at will and loves the big stage, and it doesn’t get bigger than hitting the likes of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander around the park.

Squads

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (w), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (c), David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Farhaan Behardien, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Rilee Rossouw, Aaron Phangiso, Kyle Abbott

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (c/w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Axar Patel, Stuart Binny, Ambati Rayudu