World Cup 2019: 4 reasons why India hold the edge over South Africa

#4 Injuries plague South Africa’s bowling attack

Imran Tahir will need to take up the bulk of the responsibility in Ngidi and Steyn absence

Compared to India’s attack, South Africa’s bowling looks insipid. Yet to recover from two defeats in a row, South Africa will be well aware that another loss could set them back by quite a few steps in the race to the semifinals.

Against a strong Indian batting line-up, they will have their task cut out, especially with injuries to key bowlers like Lungi Ngidi (hamstring) and Dale Steyn (shoulder) weakening their resources. The form of other pace bowlers — Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris — has been wobbly and a lot will rely on leggie Imran Tahir.

What will also concern Faf du Plessis is the amount of extras his bowlers have conceded. South Africa bowlers really need to show some more responsibility and tread more carefully against a solid Indian batting line-up as another slip might take them closer to a potential World Cup exit.