South Africa v Australia, final: Preview

In what can turn out to be a mouth-watering contest, South Africa, will take on Australia in the final of the tri-series to be played at Harare Sports Club. The two heavyweights of world cricket, between them, won five of their six games during the round robin phase to qualify for the final. The hosts, Zimbabwe, caused an upset by defeating Australia, but weren't consistent enough to qualify for the final.

Australia

Australia have the necessary firepower in their ranks to overpower any opposition. Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Steven Smith/Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin and Glen Maxwell with those bazooka bats can play the big shots.

George Bailey, the captain brings solidarity to the batting line-up. However, it has to be said that some of the Australian batsmen especially, Hughes, Finch and Maxwell tend to struggle against spin. Maxwell, known for his power-hitting up against Imran Tahir with his wrong 'un should turn out to be an interesting contest.

In the bowling department, Australia depend on pace. Mitchell Johnson, will be relied upon to perform the role of a battering ram. Mitchell Starc is good at generating reverse swing with the old ball. He can also bowl from around the wicket to trouble right-handed batsmen. Kane Richardson though, is reportedly struggling with a side problem. Nathan Lyon is the lone spinner, and will be expected to stem the run flow, and take wickets in the middle overs.

South Africa

South Africa certainly have the arsenal to match Australia in the final. The formidable trio of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis can accrue big scores and also twin it by scoring at a good rate. Amla though, hasn't exactly fired on all cylinders in the tournament. Quinton de Kock, the youngster and JP Duminy too can scale great heights with the bat in hand.

South Africa though, seem to have a bit more variety in the bowling line-up. Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Kyle Abbott/Wayne Parnell make up for a fine pace attack. However, they also have the option of turning to Tahir or Duminy in the middle overs. South Africa still would miss the services of their unsung hero, Ryan McLaren, who is injured.

One factor that has to be always considered when South Africa meet Australia is that we will get to see some world-class fielding.

Quotes

We know what they're like and they're pretty structured in their ways. They like to play a certain way and they do it most times. It gets brought up in most meetings that we have, that they have that structure. We're ready to adapt to any conditions and we've done that in the past. We go out there and play our own game: Mitchell Johnson

I've always had things like this as a kid and its one of those things if the physio gives you the all clear you go for it. Ill leave it in his hands, its not really up to me. They'll see how it pulls up and make a decision: Kane Richardson on his injury.

Ground conditions

The conditions on offer will depend on whether the groundsmen use a new track for the final or not. One expects for a final, the groundsmen to prepare a track with a bit of carry and bounce. Historically, Harare has helped seam bowlers first up, but that hasn't been the case in this tournament.