ICC World Twenty20: Men in Blue vs. Proteas!

After an easy win over Afghanistan in their first match at the Twenty20 World Cup, Team India now looks to conquer the next battle on their way – The Protean dug out!

South Africa, to me comes across as a perfect, well – balanced side that is pretty much capable of tearing apart the opposition in any form of the game. Greats like Allan Donald, Hansie Cronje, Jonty Rhodes and Shaun Pollock have brought tremendous success to the team during their careers. The team’s highest run chase against Australia (in 2006) in what is known as the “greatest one day international” ever, is worth a mention. The Proteas have had a rollercoaster ride over the years in various international tournaments. Their numerous exits from vital competitions, such as the world cup have given them a reputation of “chokers”.

Now, as young Graeme Smith leads his team from the front, the Proteas will be looking at the shortest format of the game to shed their “chokers” tag. The skipper has been out of action for a quite a while since a finger injury gripped him in the IPL. But, to him it has been a blessing in disguise as he could spend most of his time off the field with his coach, Corrie Van Vyl, deciding and formulating various team strategies. With his injury healed, Smith is now fully prepared for the world cup.

T20 specialist Loots Bosman in the side, so is the out- of- form Herschelle Gibbs. But, the team has one major reason to cheer, and that is Jacques Kallis! His terrific form in the IPL saw him emerging as the second highest run-getter in the tournament. We might just see Gibbs or Bosman partnering Smith at the top order, with Kallis coming one-down and doing what he does best, for his team.

AB De Villiers and JP Duminy form a strong middle order. Neither of them managed to make an impression in the IPL for their respective franchisees, but playing for the national team is a different story altogether. When in the best of their forms, they are just unstoppable!Striker Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher complete the line – up, with Boucher being one of the best wicket – keepers SA ever had.Dale Steyn has had a superb IPL season with success in this format for the first time. He bowled with a furious 150kmh+ pace throughout the tournament and hopes to continue the same in the world cup as well.Charl Langevedlt and Rusty Theron will be seen accompanying Steyn in the seam attack. It will be interesting to see whether Morne Morkel would be given a chance or the management decides to take an extra batsman or a spinner.The spin department will be handled mostly by Reolof van der Merwe who looks quite promising and is experienced with the ball. There would be an option between him and Johan Both, depending on Smith’s decision.An exciting, neck-to-neck competition is sure to take place between these two extremely competent sides. A win here for India will mean their direct qualification for the Super 8’s. But, will the South Africans let the Blue Gang steal the show? Watch out!