India vs South Africa Fifth ODI Match, 2018: Heinrich Klaasen, Hardik Pandya, AB de Villiers, Among Other Key Players in Crucial Tie at St. George's Park

India and South Africa will play their Fifth One Day International at the St. George’s Park, at Port Elizabeth on February 13. India is already 3-1 ahead in the six-match ODI series. After India cantered to a hat-trick of wins in the first three ODIs, the South African side bounced back in the Fourth ODI, making sure the remainder of the series isn’t a dead rubber.

Both the sides would be desperate for a win in the Fifth ODI. The Indian team led by Virat Kohli is eyeing glory, whereas the South African team is looking forward to salvaging a draw. If India wins the series, it will be their maiden ODI series in South Africa.  India vs South Africa Fifth ODI 2018 Preview: Will Virat Kohli's Men Clinch Series Against Resurgent Proteas at Spin-Friendly Port Elizabeth?

A lot of players will have to step up in order to see their side home on Tuesday. We at Latestly, bring to you a list of players who would be the x-factor in their team’s win as both the sides clash in the Fifth ODI.

1. Heinrich Klaasen

It seems Quinton de Kock’s injury has come as a blessing in disguise for the South African team. Heinrich Klaasen has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, as he proved to be the difference between both the sides in the Fourth ODI. Klaasen will look to continue his good form in the contest tomorrow and see his side home, to stay relevant in the series.

2. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya was tipped to be India’s trump card in the South African conditions. Pandya has little to show on his mark sheet on this tour. Blowing hot-and-cold throughout the tour, the lanky all-rounder would want people to talk more about his performances than his hairstyles when the series ends. The last two ODIs are a perfect platform to showcase his immense talent and prove that he’s just isn’t a one-match wonder!

3. AB de Villiers

The swashbuckling South African couldn’t contribute significantly on the scoreboard. However, it was his brief assault that became the launching pad for the Proteas that saw them winning the rain-truncated match. The former South African batsman will have to up the ante and contribute significantly if South Africa wants to have another crack on Indian team in the sixth ODI. A lot of Proteas’ hopes depend on AB de Villiers, and he will be hoping to prove them right.

4. Rohit Sharma

The star Indian opener has failed miserably to live upto its expectations on the tour. After a dismal Test series, Sharma has not been able to make significant contributions in the ODI series as well. In the last four outings, he has scored only 40 runs. It is high time he performs before the Indian management start looking for a strong backup option, in KL Rahul, as an alternative to him in overseas conditions. Tomorrow’s match provides a perfect opportunity for Rohit ‘Hitman’ Sharma to silence his critics.

5. Virat Kohli

Captain Kohli has broken a slew of records in the ongoing ODI series. However, his headache going in the fifth ODI would not be his batting form but a test of his captaincy skills. India couldn’t control the flow the runs in the latter half of the game. The Indian bowlers were taken to the cleaners as both, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen hit boundaries at their will.

Will the South African batsmen deal with the spin-combo masterly or will they falter again? The Live Telecast of the Fifth ODI between India and South Africa will begin from 04.30 p.m. (IST). It will be delighting to watch who has the last laugh at the end of the day. Stay tuned with us for the all the latest updates on India vs South Africa ODI Series 2018 here.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2018 07:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).