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When South Africa take on West Indies in their final league game, the Proteas would look to shed their ‘chokers’ tag and prove a point against the comments passed by opposition captain Dwayne Bravo yesterday.
As was witnessed in the last game, they have the batters to shatter the best of bowling attacks and Kemar Roach and co. would not be much of a threat to Ab de Villiers and his men. Hashim Amla has been in sublime touch, so has been De Villiers, and they would hold the key in this crucial encounter. Faf du Plessis, Jean-Paul Duminy and David Miller are very capable batsman and when on song, they could be a nightmare to the bowlers.
The bowling attack would definitely look twice stronger than the previous game, with spearhead Dale Steyn all set to take part today, after recovering from his fitness issue. Chris Morris bowled with zeal on debut and will be eager to prove his consistency with the ball, while Ryan Mclaren has provided solid contributions with both bat and the ball. South Africa wouldn’t be willing to risk by playing two left-arm spinners, especially with Chris Gayle at the top of the order, and Aaron Phangiso might have to sit out for this clash.
Conditions
With heavy showers expected in Cardiff, the possibilities of playing a full 50-over game have almost been ruled out. The meteorology department has predicted only three hours of clear weather, which means only a 20-over game could be possible. A virtual quarter-final game for both the sides, they would be praying to the rain Gods to present a clear sky for a proper game to take place.
In the event of the match getting washed out, South Africa would qualify for the last four by virtue of having a better run-rate.
Head to head
Out of the 51 games played between both the teams, South Africa have the upper hand with a whopping 38 wins.
They have met each other four times in the Champions Trophy, with both sharing two wins apiece.
Key Player
All eyes will be definitely on one man when South Africa take the field. After missing the first two games, Dale Steyn will lead the rather inexperienced Proteas pace attack against the likes of Gayle, Keiron Pollard, Darren Sammy and Bravo. The Steyn vs. Gayle contest has remained one of the best in recent times, and Steyn would be eager to capture the heavyweight to seal the contest.
South Africa’s strategy
The team strategy must depend on the weather, as wet conditions before the start might prompt De Villiers to field first, but it will have its own share of troubles when D/L method come into picture, as it is always tilted in favour of the side batting first.
The Proteas though might want to bat first, as their batsmen possess the habit of choking in the second innings and their tryst with D/L method has never been in good stead.
Probable XI
Hashim Amla, Colin Ingram, Ab de Villiers(C/WK), Francois du Plessis, JP Duminy, David Miller, Ryan Mclaren, Robin Peterson, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
Prediction
With a relatively young squad in picture for the South Africans, they might want to bury the past and set new benchmarks with a big win over the Caribbean brigade at Cardiff.
