20th March 2011, Pretoria

South Africa recovered from their shock loss to England to post impressive form in the latter matches in the 206 run win over Bangladesh and 3 wicket win over India to finish on top of Group B. The loss to England revived memories of choking as South Africa were skittled out whilst seemingly coasting to an easy win.

AB De Villiers, Hashim Amla and JP Duminy have been in awesome batting form, whilst the surprise packet has been the effectiveness of the Protea spinners - Robin Peterson and Imran Tahir - in these spin friendly conditions. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have combined to be an effective pace combination.

The only concern for the well balanced South African's has been their ability to handle the pressure. Can they go on in the knockout phase past the semi finals for the first time in world cup history?

 

Durban, 12th Feb 2011: Preview of South Africa

Predicted win odds: 70%

South Africa are still to throw off the tag of chokers after losing in the Semifinals in 1992, 1999 and yet again in 2007 when they went out too hard against Australia with the bat and paid the price. Graeme Smith skippers them for his last throw at World Cup glory, and they are coached by Corrie van Zyl. South Africa have a World Cup win-loss record of 25-13, with 2 ties. The batting revolved around Smith, Amla, De Villiers and Jacques Kallis, with Francois du Plessis and Morne van Wyk looking to add sparkle.

Strengths: Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers are at the top of their game. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel add new ball firepower. Jacques Kallis probably the top allrounder in international cricket is looking to bow out in glory.

Weaknesses: A fast bowler-heavy attack led by Steyn, Morkel, Kallis and Lonwabo Tsotsobe may not be as effective on the slower pitches of the subcontinent. Lack of quality spinners. Ability to deal with pressure in the knockout stages. Lack of reverse swing specialists.

South Africa World Cup squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Francois du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk

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