Will Imran Tahir's spin be South Africa's weapon against New Zealand?
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South Africa face off against New Zealand in the first semifinal of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. With much at stake, the Proteas would need to bring their 'A' game up against the tournament co-hosts. Will the big stars in South Africa fire or will the enormity of the moment consume them again? (Complete coverage of World Cup 2015 )
Here is a SWOT analysis of the South African unit:
Strengths: The South Africans are blessed with all-round firepower. Their batting is dominated by men who can clear the ropes with ease, right through the 50 overs. Quinton de Kock's form was a concern but his solid knock against Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals would have given the young wicketkeeper batsman plenty of confidence. De Kock's opening partner Hashim Amla is as classy as they come. The elegant right-handed batsman can steer the innings with the composure of an able artist and then break lose to inflict severe damage. The men who follow him are mass destructors of bowling attacks. Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy and David Miller - these four names drill dread into bowlers across the world.
Du Plessis is known to clobber the big ones, de Villiers has the fastest 50, 100 and 150 to his name while Duminy and Miller are not ones to be taken lightly down the order.
So much for the batsmen. The Proteas are even more threatening with the ball. Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philnder form one of the most potent pace batteries in the world. Their speed and accuracy will make the likes of Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill think twice before taking risks against the new balls in Auckland.
Weaknesses: Even though the lineup suggests class and aura, South Africa are not without their own weaknesses. They have been found out over the years in big match situations and not without reason has the term 'chokers' become such an integral part of the media's depiction of the team. The latest example came against Pakistan, when chasing a tricky total, the Africans imploded. They were in a solid position at one point, but kept losing wickets thereafter. Despite a valiant effort from de Villiers, South Africa ended up losing. The Proteas have been found wanting in high pressure and their chasing can do with a lot of improvement.
Opportunities: The semifinal against New Zealand presents South Africa the opportunity to seal a spot in the World Cup title clash for the first time. Ever since their unfortunate exit in the semis against England in the 1992 World Cup, the Proteas have been jinxed. They came close in 1999 but a brain-freeze moment cost them a place in the final. Will they hold their own and secure a ticket to Melbourne for March 29?
The current set up has the opportunity to do what no other team from their country has done. De Viliiers' men are said to be a lot more composed than their predecessors but history could well repeat itself if they let the occasion get to them.
Threats: South Africa need to guard against a lot of threats, not the least of which is nerves. They have had some unhappy memories of semifinal clashes and on Tuesday, they will be up against World Cup 2015 co-hosts New Zealand in their own backyard. The crowd would be hostile and the conditions will obviously suit the Black Caps a lot more. But when South Africa match New Zealand man-to-man, they are perhaps even better.
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