Fantastico Battles that could Impact the 1st ODI between Eng and SA at Bloemfontein.

After securing the test match series 2-1, England will look to topple the South Africans in the ODI format of the game when the two teams clash at Bloemfontein for the 1st ODI in the 5 match series. With the WT20 on the horizon, both teams will be looking to get their machinery humming for the mega event by putting a good show in the shorter formats of the game.

Let us look at the 4 Fantastico Battles that could have an impact on the game.

Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock Vs English New Ball Pair

With no Anderson and Broad, the English new bowling pair of David Willey and Reece Topley will have a huge task on their hands when they will run in to bowl at the in-form Protea duo of Hashim Amla and Quinton De Kock. Amla made 109 and 96 in the last test which helped South Africa secure a draw while De Kock also helped himself to a ton. The English bowlers will have to ensure that they maintain a tight line and length to the openers and not let them get away early.

AB De Villiers Vs Ben Stokes and Adil Rashid

AB De Villiers slammed the fastest ODI hundred off just 31 balls against a hapless West Indies side at around time time last year but he will come in to this match with three consecutive ducks behind him. Ben Stokes, the enterprising English all-rounder will look to get De Villiers out cheaply again. Adil Rashid, the leg break bowler, who has been playing in the BBL05 and has had quite a good tournament will be looking forward to getting De Villiers out if he bowls to him.

Moeen Ali and Joe Root Vs Kasigo Rabada

Kasigo Rabada wreaked havoc on the English batting line up in the last test with a ten wicket haul and he has been the rising star for the South Africans in the last year. His battle upfront with an attacking Moeen Ali and an in form Joe Root will be the one to watch out for and it could also decide how much England can get on the flat Bloemfontein track. Rabada will probably have to battle fatigue as well as he has been playing continuously for South Africa since last year.

Ben Stokes Vs Imran Tahir

Ben Stokes was the player of the series for England in the recently concluded 4 test series where he contributed with both bat and ball regularly. His brutal 258 off just 198 balls in the second test was the highlight of the 4 match test series. How he tackles the maverick leg spinner Imran Tahir in the middle overs can have a huge impact on the game. With Tahir possessing all the variations, hitting him might not be as easy for Stokes.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.