As the Cricket World Cup 2023 reaches its 37th match, cricket enthusiasts are in for a riveting showdown at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 5th. This contest will feature India and South Africa, two cricketing powerhouses that have carved their path to success in the tournament. India, colloquially known as the "men in blue," has displayed unwavering dominance, winning all seven of their previous encounters, including a resounding victory against Sri Lanka where they triumphed by a staggering 302-run margin. South Africa, with an impressive record of six wins out of seven games and the best net run-rate in the competition, poses a formidable challenge, particularly with their penchant for setting imposing targets when batting first. This clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the best of cricketing talent.

Head to Head - South Africa holds a slight edge over India in fifty-over cricket. These two cricketing giants have clashed in 90 ODIs, with South Africa emerging victorious 50 times and India winning on 37 occasions. Looking at the most recent ten encounters, the scoreline stands level at 5-5, highlighting the fierce competition between the two sides.

Pitch Report - Eden Gardens has historically been known for offering batsmen-friendly pitches, with the ball coming onto the bat smoothly. Fast bowlers can expect some movement and bounce from the surface. As for the weather conditions, Kolkata is expected to be somewhat hazy on Sunday with partly cloudy skies, and rain is not likely to disrupt the game. The average first innings score at Eden Gardens, based on 32 ODIs in men's cricket, is 253 runs. The highest team total recorded on this ground was India's remarkable 404/5.

Weather Report - The weather forecast for the match anticipates temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius, ensuring a pleasant and cricket-friendly atmosphere for players and spectators alike.

With the stage set at the iconic Eden Gardens and the weather conditions favoring an exciting contest, the showdown between India and South Africa in the Cricket World Cup 2023 promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing tournament. Cricket enthusiasts from around the world eagerly anticipate witnessing the clash of these titans on the field. Both teams, armed with remarkable records and aspirations for greatness, will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of victory.

Picture Credits - myKhel