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World Cup this week: Matches to look out for

We pick out a few games each week that may influence who lifts the ICC World Cup at Lord’s Baptism by fire for the Indian juggernaut against lethal Proteas Wednesday, June 5: India V South Africa India had a rude awakening in their opening warm-up game against New Zealand. Virat Kohli’s men struggled against New Zealand swing bowlers and only a late rearguard by Ravindra Jadeja took them to a scarcely respectable 179 which the Kiwis overhauled with ease. The South African bowling will arguably pose an even bigger challenge. India will hope that Skhikar Dhawan continues his love affair with ICC tournaments and Rohit Sharma passes 21 in most of his innings — stats show that the Mumbai man’s chances of posting a high score, at a fast clip, increase exponentially once he crosses the 21-run mark. Kohli, of course, is Kohli. India’s biggest concern is an unproven middle order with Dhoni the only bankable batsman and even he may struggle in swinging conditions. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah needs to be wrapped in cotton wool until the tournament begins — while the rejuvenated Mohammad Shami is likely to get the nod ahead…

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