South Africa- When will the chokers tag go?

The South Africans, also referred to as the Proteas have always been known as the chokers of world cricket. They have failed to win a single World Cup tournament inspite of making it to the semi finals on numerous occasions; 3 times in the ODIs and once in T20.

It was a feeling of déjà vu for the Proteas when Pakistan beat them today in a match which was no less than a roller coaster ride. The Proteas lost to them in the 2009 semifinal. And today they allowed Pakistan an escape route. How would you describe a team who allows a team 76/7, staring down the barrel, requiring about 12 runs an over, to win by 2 wickets, with 2 balls to spare. This is a glimmer on their tag of chokers. Although this wasn’t a do or die game, the Proteas showed signs of succumbing to pressure which they created for themselves by some poor bowling choices and wayward bowling.

South Africa started badly losing 2 of their key players, Amla and Kallis, cheaply; a sight you won’t find very often. They tried to consolidate through a partnership between AB and Duminy, but not to much avail. T20 is a format where you don’t get much time to rebuild and this took its toll on South Africa who lost wickets regularly in desperation to get some quick runs and managed a meager 133. But still this was a decent total considering the start they got and keeping in mind their strong bowling lineup, undoubtedly right up there in the world. They didn’t do their name any harm with an excellent start claiming 3 early wickets. They kept taking wickets at regular intervals and had them 7 down for 76 in 15 overs. The game turned after that, with Gul starting to hit the ball out of the park and 2 good overs had the pressure showing on South Africa. Then the story was as you would predict when South Africa are under pressure. Their experienced and classy bowlers bowled the wrong length and were wayward. They were in total control of the match and then the pressure, which should have never been, took its toll to an extent that would worry any South African cricket well-wisher. The pressure gets exaggerated when you associate it with the Proteas as was evident. The ever cool AB made some blunders not bowling Botha and Duminy on the pitch that proved to be a Mecca for spinners.

No credit should be taken away from Pakistan and specially Gul who showed resilience of the highest order and even Akmal who would have had thoughts of trying to play 20 overs, starting believing in the prospect of a victory. When the history is against you, you might not feel very positive, taking unnecessary pressure and when that very thing(pressure) is your problem, it’s worrying. Although the Proteas have been clinical in their group stage matches, defeating Zimbabwe and one of the pre-tournament favourites Sri Lanka, the super eights is the real test and there is bound to be pressure. This could prove to be a stern test for them, although they are strong enough to sail through it. They are one of the favourites to win the tournament with a well balanced batting line up and the most potent bowling attack accompanied by their ever brilliant fielding. This is the case generally with them, starting as pre-tournament favourites and ending up empty handed. The chokers tag seems to haunt them.

The question is will they be able to get rid of it this time around or the tag will persist; that only time will tell. But speculations are pretty strong that this might prove to be their year and the tag will finally be flown off by their cool, composed, under pressure specialist AB De Villiers. The new captain might write a new chapter and looking at his cool and composed IPL performances, it makes the belief a little stronger and one would write off South Africa at their own peril.