The match will be held at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens on November 5, starting at 2:00 pm IST. Teams batting first have won 21 out of 37 ODIs played at this venue, with an average first-innings total of 240. 

India has won 13 out of 22 ODIs here, and their highest total of 404/5 against Sri Lanka in 2014 remains unmatched. Notably, India also defended the lowest ODI score (195) at Eden Gardens against South Africa in 1993.

Weather and Pitch Report

As per AccuWeather's forecast, Sunday (Nov 5) in Kolkata is expected to be characterized by hazy conditions. There is a minimal four per cent chance of precipitation, and the humidity levels will be at 51 per cent. Additionally, cloud cover is anticipated to reach 99 per cent, and the temperature will vary between 23 and 33 degrees Celsius.

The pitch at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens provides a well-rounded playing surface that caters to both batsmen and bowlers. In the two 2023 World Cup matches held at this venue, bowlers found favourable conditions, as Netherlands successfully defended a total of 229 runs against Bangladesh, while Pakistan comfortably chased down a target of 205 runs against Bangladesh. 

Pace bowlers are expected to have an upper hand, but spectators can anticipate a high-scoring contest, given that both teams are playing without the pressure of securing a spot in the semifinals.

Rohit Sharma's Love for Eden Gardens

Rohit Sharma has a special connection with Eden Gardens, boasting an impressive average of 96 in ODIs at this venue. He has scored 288 runs from three ODIs, most notably the record-breaking 264-run innings against Sri Lanka in 2014. 

In ODI World Cups, Rohit has accumulated 1,380 runs from 24 matches at an average of 62.72, featuring seven centuries and five fifties (with a strike rate of 101.84).

Top Indian Batters

Shubman Gill leads the run charts in ODIs this year with 1,426 runs. Rohit Sharma (1,060) and Virat Kohli (1,054) are the other Indian batsmen with over 1,000 runs in 2023. 

Currently, Kohli is India's highest run-scorer in the 2023 World Cup, amassing 442 runs at an average of 88.40, including five fifty-plus scores. Rohit Sharma has contributed 402 runs in this World Cup at an average of 57.42.

Kuldeep Yadav's Spin Magic

Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the most successful bowlers in ODIs this year, sharing the top spot with 43 wickets, alongside Nepal's Sandeep Lamichhane. He boasts an impressive average of 18.44 and an economy rate of 4.61. 

In the ongoing World Cup, Kuldeep has taken 10 wickets in seven matches. He has a strong record against South Africa, claiming 24 wickets in 10 ODIs.

Indian Pace Attack

Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have shone on the big stage. Bumrah has taken 15 wickets in the ongoing World Cup, while Shami has claimed 14 wickets in just three matches, including two fifers. 

Siraj has been slightly less prolific with nine wickets. In 2023, Siraj took 39 wickets, while Bumrah and Shami returned with 23 and 32 wickets, respectively.

Quinton de Kock's Prolific Form

South Africa's Quinton de Kock has been in remarkable form, amassing 545 runs in seven World Cup matches, including four centuries. He has also enjoyed success in India, scoring 922 runs in 15 ODIs at an impressive average of 61.46, with six centuries. 

Against India, de Kock has accumulated 1,072 runs in 19 ODIs at an average of 56.42, featuring six centuries.

As these cricketing giants lock horns at Eden Gardens, fans can expect an intense battle for supremacy in this high-stakes encounter.

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