ICC T20 World Cup: Can South Africa break their World Cup jinx?

15 Runs to get in the final over with just 3 wickets remaining isn’t exactly the kind of equation, which would make South Africa favourites to win a nail biter. But, Chris Morris, who sent the cricket enthusiasts in the social media into a frenzy when he was sold off to Delhi Daredevils for a staggering fee of Rs 7 Crore in the IPL auction, begged to differ.

He clubbed two full tosses for back to back boundaries and with a little help from England youngster Reece Topley, who had a match to forget, dragged the Proteas to finishing line in the first match of the South Africa – England T20 series.

Apart from this final bit, South Africa did what they usually do. They bowled and fielded well restricting the opposition to a modest total, started off decently and deceived everyone into believing that they would finish off things without much drama, inexplicably hit the self-destruct button throwing away wickets and crumbled under pressure leaving the tail with too much to do in the climax. This time though, they had the lanky Pretorian all-rounder who stood unfazed by pressure and slogged his way to victory.

Faf Du Plessis and co carried the momentum to the next match as they beat England comprehensively to clinch the series 2-0. With T20 World Cup just around the corner, the Proteas would be hoping their recent adventure of winning close encounters, is a sign of better things to come.

On paper South Africa have a relatively easier bunch of opposition to deal with in the Super 10 stage. Drawn against England, whom they eased past recently, Sri Lanka and West Indies, who are far from their best, and a team qualifying from the group stages, the Proteas are a safe bet to progress to the semi-Finals.

Key Players

The opening partnership of AB Devilliers and Hashim Amla is as good as you can get in world cricket. While AB pounces on the bowlers ripping them apart, Amla with his charismatic strokeplay lures them into a slow death. Proteas are taking a bit of a gamble throwing their best two batsmen into the fray from the word go, but that gamble is something that would pay them handsomely if it works out.

The opening partnership of AB and Amla is vital for South Africa’s chances

Chris Morris is no Lance Kluesner or Jacques Kallis but, with his meaty blows with the bat in the fag end of the innings and his fiery pace bowling, is the kind of all-rounder the Proteas have been missing in the shorter formats.

Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir are expected to lead the line in the bowling department. The young pacer is in formidable form and looks set to light up the tournament for the men in green.

Selection Dilemmas

As typical of a South African outfit, Russel Domingo and co are yet to figure out their best playing XI going into the tournament. The return to action of pace spearhead Dale Steyn would prove to be a dilemma for the coach and the skipper. The gritty pacer hasn’t hit top gear in near past and isn’t growing any younger by day.

Bringing him straight back into the team would mean either Rabada or the impressive Kyle Abbot, who does a commendable job in the death overs, would sit out. Including all three pacers along with the inevitable Tahir, would imply a longer tail for the team than they would wish for.

Will Steyn be able to get back his form after return from injury?

Quinton De Kock was rested for the T20 series after his fantastic display in the ODIs, much to the dismay of many. De Kock, who opens in the one-day format, would have to do with a role in the middle order if at all he’s going to feature in the playing XI. The middle order of Faf, J P Duminy, David Miller and Rilee Russouw are lacking in both game time and form. David Wiese hardly looks like a world beater and is likelier to do a bit part role.

Finding the right balance would be the key to success for Proteas. The selection headache apart, skipper Du Plessis has every reason to be optimistic going into the tournament. That being said, he would be every bit worried about South Africa’s worst enemy; the untimely downpours and the Duckworth-Lewis system that follows.

Although the month of March is expected to be devoid of rains in India, given South Africa’s track record in that respect, there would be a few anxious eyes, in the Protea camp, watching the clouds. If it does rain, Faf and co will be hoping that the odds are in their favour. The rains do owe them a few.