THE REALITY CHECK – The Broader Perspective South Africa have emerged to be the team to beat in the tournament. They topped Group B with five wins and only lost a close game to England. In batting, they have some fine talent in Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis and JP Duminy — all of whom are amongst runs while in bowling they have two world class fast bowlers in Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
Earlier, they lacked a quality spinner but with the inclusion of Pakistani born Imran Tahir, this issue has been addressed very well. The leggie has taken 12 wickets in four games. And to add to it, Proteas have always been an energetic fielding side. This gives you a well rounded unit — one which can go all the way. The only weak link so to speak is the batting form of their captain Graeme Smith. The southpaw has been leading the side well. However, he hasn’t been able to score runs in this tournament. South Africans will be firm favourites today as there is hardly any chink in their armour except their weak nerves.
On the other hand, New Zealand have been hampered by quite a few injuries and their performance has been inconsistent. Captain Daniel Vettori is expected to be back which will give some sting to the bowling while the batting line will also be lengthened. However, if the Black Caps are to make any impression, they will need some special efforts from Ross Taylor or Brendon McCullum or an inspired spell of bowling. New Zealand bowling lacks the punch and no one apart from Tim Southee with 14 wickets has managed to make any impression. It’s also time that seniors like Scott Styris and Jacob Oram stand up and be counted with the bat.
The winner of today’s game will face either Sri Lanka or England next in the semi-final so it will be a case of now or never for both sides. South Africans have got a superior team full of world class performers and they also have the momentum with them. Whether they will they be able to deliver in the battle of nerves remains to be seen in a crunch game. Black Caps have the potential and if they can produce brilliance on the day, things can get interesting.
Form Guide & Conditions
New Zealand have won just three of their past 10 ODIs against South Africa. Their overall record against Proteas is also not good as they have won just 17 of the 51 games with South Africa winning 30. The pitch can take some spin and the team winning the toss will go to bat first and post a good total as has been the case in other matches at this venue in the tournament.
Watch Out For
Robin Petersen has taken 14 wickets at an average of 13.50 and has contributed some handy runs with the bat. With pitch expected to take spin, Petersen can be a serious threat for Black Caps. Ross Taylor is a powerful and dangerous willow wielder if he gets in. He stroked a pugnacious century against Pakistan and if he manages to get in, he will be hard to stop and can give Black Caps a big boost. Who Wins If South Africa manages to keep up the intensity as they have done so far in the tournament, they will be the firm favourites to move ahead to the semi-finals.
