Who Will Win Border vs South Africa Emerging 3rd ODI 2026 Match Prediction
The Border vs South Africa Emerging prediction for the 3rd ODI of the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge 2026 sets up an intriguing contest at Buffalo Park, East London. Border enter this fixture with strong credentials after an impressive 2025 campaign in Division Two, where they lost only one of their six completed group matches. Meanwhile, South Africa Emerging endured a difficult 2024/25 season, winning just one of their six completed fixtures.
Buffalo Park is traditionally a bowler-friendly venue, offering seam movement early and assistance for disciplined attacks throughout the innings. That factor could heavily influence the outcome, especially given Border’s consistent opening bowling pair of Nico van Zyl and Chad Classen. South Africa Emerging, however, boast young talents eager to make an impression, with Steve Stolk and Jason Rowles expected to play pivotal roles.
The CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge continues to grow in profile, particularly following South Africa’s recent international success. This Emerging side will be under scrutiny as future national prospects, but Border’s experience and tactical clarity could prove decisive. Cricketwebs provides the best match prediction tips for every cricket match, and based on past performance, squad balance, and venue conditions, Border appear favourites heading into this encounter.
Match Details
| Match | BOR vs SAE, 3rd ODI – CSA One-Day Challenge 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 22nd February 2026 |
| Time | 10:00 AM Local |
| Venue | Buffalo Park, East London |
| Live Streaming | Fancode |
Border Preview
Border come into the 2026 season determined to replicate last year’s strong campaign. Their success was built on disciplined bowling and a balanced batting order capable of adapting to different match situations. Losing only one of six completed fixtures in 2025 demonstrates their consistency and ability to close out games.
The opening bowling partnership of Nico van Zyl and Chad Classen remains the cornerstone of Border’s strategy. Both bowlers combine accuracy with movement off the seam, especially effective at Buffalo Park where conditions assist pace bowlers. Their ability to strike early often sets the tone for the innings. Supporting them are Aphiwe Mnyanda and Alindile Mhletywa, who provide depth in the seam department.
With the bat, Nathan Roux and skipper Jerome Bossr will open the innings. Roux plays with patience, while Bossr adds aggression in the powerplay. The middle order, featuring Lihle Sizani and Jason Niemand, offers stability. Shane Dadswell and Jade de Klerk at six and seven are explosive hitters capable of accelerating during the death overs.
Border’s strength lies in team cohesion and clearly defined roles. They rarely rely on one individual, preferring collective contributions. On a bowler-friendly pitch, their disciplined approach and ability to defend totals around 230–250 make them formidable.
Border Squad: Nathan Roux, Jerome Bossr (c), Lihle Sizani, Jason Niemand, Mincedisi Malika (wk), Shane Dadswell, Jade de Klerk, Alindile Mhletywa, Chad Classen, Aphiwe Mnyanda, Nico van Zyl
South Africa Emerging Preview
South Africa Emerging enter the tournament with the dual challenge of development and results. Despite struggling in the previous edition, the squad features promising talents eager to prove their credentials.
Jason Rowles is expected to anchor the batting at number four. His blend of timing and power makes him a key figure in the middle overs. Garnett Tarr, leading the side, will be responsible for guiding younger players under pressure. Muhammed Bulbulia and Adnaan Lagadien must provide a steady opening platform.
In the bowling department, Steve Stolk stands out. His ability to extract bounce and seam movement could be crucial at Buffalo Park. Thabile Hlatuka and Bayanda Majola add pace options, while Nqobani Mokoena offers variation.
The Emerging side’s challenge lies in converting potential into performance. Inconsistent batting collapses and lack of experience in pressure situations hurt them last season. However, exposure to high-quality domestic competition could elevate their game this year.
If their top order clicks and Stolk delivers with the new ball, they could trouble Border. But consistency remains their biggest hurdle.
South Africa Emerging Squad: Muhammed Bulbulia, Adnaan Lagadien, Steve Stolk, Jason Rowles, Garnett Tarr (c), Paul James, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (wk), Thabile Hlatuka, Nqobani Mokoena, Bayanda Majola, Nathan Rossouw
Probable Playing XI
| Border | South Africa Emerging |
|---|---|
| Nathan Roux | Muhammed Bulbulia |
| Jerome Bossr (c) | Adnaan Lagadien |
| Lihle Sizani | Steve Stolk |
| Jason Niemand | Jason Rowles |
| Mincedisi Malika (wk) | Garnett Tarr (c) |
| Shane Dadswell | Paul James |
| Jade de Klerk | Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (wk) |
| Alindile Mhletywa | Thabile Hlatuka |
| Chad Classen | Nqobani Mokoena |
| Aphiwe Mnyanda | Bayanda Majola |
| Nico van Zyl | Nathan Rossouw |
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
Border are favourites due to their experience and superior track record in the competition. Their disciplined bowling attack suits Buffalo Park’s seam-friendly surface, and their batting lineup possesses both stability and finishing power.
South Africa Emerging have talent but lack consistency and experience in closing out matches. Border’s structured approach and familiarity with local conditions give them a clear advantage in this fixture.
Pitch Report
Buffalo Park traditionally favors bowlers, particularly seamers who can exploit early movement. Batters must apply patience during the powerplay before accelerating. Scores above 230 are competitive here. Expect assistance for pace bowlers throughout the innings, with occasional grip for slower deliveries.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24°C |
| Humidity | 68% |
| Rain Chances | 20% |
| Wind | Moderate |
Partly cloudy conditions are expected, with a slight chance of rain. Overcast skies could enhance swing bowling early in the match.
Broadcast Details
The 3rd ODI between Border and South Africa Emerging will be streamed live on Fancode. Fans can follow live scores, commentary, and match updates via official CSA channels and cricket platforms.
Toss Prediction
Border are likely to win the toss and may opt to bowl first, considering the bowler-friendly nature of the surface and potential early movement.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
Nathan Roux and Shane Dadswell are key batters for Border, while Jason Rowles anchors South Africa Emerging’s lineup. Steve Stolk and Nico van Zyl are expected to be the standout bowlers, capable of exploiting Buffalo Park conditions.
Winning Chances
| Team | Winning % | Why | Why Not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border | 78% | Experience, bowling strength | Over-reliance on top order |
| South Africa Emerging | 22% | Young talent, unpredictability | Inconsistent record |
Match Prediction
Border hold a significant edge due to their disciplined bowling unit and proven record in the competition. South Africa Emerging have potential but must overcome inconsistency and pressure. On a bowler-friendly pitch, Border’s experience should prevail.
Our Prediction: Border Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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