South Africa seemed a much more improved side from the T20s on Friday. The grabbed the games with both hands and never looked in trouble. It was a batsmen's paradise at Outsurance Oval Stadium, Bloemfontein. The ball was coming on nicely and South African batsmen made full use of the conditions.

South Africa would be hoping to repeat their performance in the second ODI on Sunday. Apparently, it shouldn't be difficult. Many of their key batsmen such as Smith, Amla, Ingram and AB de Villiers looked in good form.

The absence of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel has been felt throughout the T20 series and also in the first ODI. The Proteas captain Graeme Smith praised his side and expressed his contentment at their performance. Smith did encourage his bowlers and said they put up an improved performance, but admitted that his side's bowling especially in the first 10 overs was poor.

The wicket at Potchefstroom is expected to be batting friendly as well. South African bowlers might go into the game thinking they will struggle. The World Cup countdown has begun and South African players have expressed their desire to put the silverware in their trophy cabinet for the first time. This series is important as it would reflect their preparations for World Cup. South African batting would play the game on 17th October with an attacking approach.

Their bowling looks below par, but Johan Botha seems to have found his accuracy and line. Probable flat track could demoralize weaken South African attack.
South Africa have won all of their last five matches.

All eyes were on Grant Flower who was making a return after six years. But after the game it was Brendon Taylor who came out as the shining light in Zimbabwe's batting. Zimbabwean bowlers continued their hopeless struggle in the first ODI. Prosper Utseya contained South African batsmen a bit. Zimbabwe are a reformed team now.

They have an appetite for success and would look to put a better show at Potchefstroom on 17th October. Zimbabwean fans would certainly want Grant Flower to script a spectacular return to international cricket and the veteran would want to deliver. Zimbabwe would be relying heavily on Brendon Taylor and Prosper Utseya to turn the tables on South Africa. However Zimbabwe would need a combined team effort to overturn the might South Africans.

Zimbabwe have won two out of five one day internationals recently.

Tag :- Brendon Taylor   Dale Steyn   Graeme Smith   Grant Flower   South Africa   Zimbabwe