Tournament favorites South Africa take on giant killers Pakistan

The business end of the tournament is finally here. The so called minnows couldn’t pull off an upset and hence the top 8 sides in the world have qualified for the Super Eights. The ‘actual’ T20 World Cup is about to begin. The best T20 side Pakistan takes on the tournament favourites South Africa in the 3rd Super eight’s match. The contest promises to be a mouth watering one with both sides having made an excellent start to the tournament. South Africa easily beat Zimbabwe and got the better of Sri Lanka in the 7 over lottery match. Pakistan had to dig in a bit deeper, they beat New Zealand in a rather close contest and then had to outplay a spirited Bangladesh side.

South Africa haven’t been tested much in the tournament but Steyn, De Villiers look in top form and can take the game away from you in no time. South Africa look the most balanced side as of now. An opening pair which complements each other, Levi providing some firepower and Amla the much needed solidity. A middle order comprising of Duminy and de Villiers who can consolidate as well accelerate at will and pace duo (Morkel and Steyn) that can rattle even the best of oppositions. All rounders like A.Morkel and Kallis would provide the captain with more bowling options.

Pakistan have always been the side to look out for in the big tournaments. Their inconsistency is their biggest strength as they tend to surprise oppositions with their smart play. Bowling has always been Pakistan’s strength. Ajmal, Gul, Hafeez not only take wickets but also hold a tight grip on the scoring rate of the batting team. Nasir Jamshed has been a terrific find for the Pakistanis. The talented left-hander has impressed in both his previous outings scoring at a brisk pace. The only worry for Pakistan is their middle order and also their catching. They have been outrageous in the field, spilling some shockers. The middle order needs to take some responsibility, gifting away their wicket could mean curtains for Pakistan.

Both sides would be itching to draw first blood in a tough group. A victory early on would multiply your chances of making it to the last four. The big test for South Africa would be coping with the spin duo of Ajmal and Hafeez, if they are able to survive the spin test then winning the game should not be much of a problem for South Africa. Pakistan would be urged on by their healthy T20 record and by the fact that they are playing in home-like conditions.

There are a few potential match winners in both sides. Big games often bring the best out of champions. Here are a few players to watch out for .

South Africa

Dale Steyn - The fiery paceman can rock any opposition’s top order, running through the defences of even the best in the business. He literally has been unplayable in the group stages. The pace is up, the ball is moving and most importantly the killer instinct is there for people to see. If he gets a wicket or two in his first spell (read burst) of two overs, god help the batting side. Pakistan need to come out with a plan against Steyn. It would obviously be to play him out and attack the lesser bowlers. Steyn vs Jamshed would be a contest worth cherishing.

AB de Villiers – Stylish, innovative and classy. I think even these adjectives do not do justice to the talent this man possesses. Coming in at no.4 for South Africa, he has the ability to change the course of the game in South Africa’s favour. He played a blinder in the rain affected game against Sri Lanka scoring 30 of a mere 13 balls. Behind the stumps too, he has been phenomenal. It would be interesting to see how he rotates his bowlers against the weary Pakistan middle order.

Jacques Kallis – The wily old fox is a great asset to this South African T20 team. Providing solidity at the top and using all his variations to outwit the batsman are the roles assigned to the most experienced player in the team. He has had a quite tournament with the bat so far, but has contributed with the bowl. South Africa would expect him to come good against quality sides.

Pakistan

Nasir Jamshed – This young lad has now and then shown the world that he is the one for the future, clobbering bowlers for sixes as well as caressing them through the covers for delightful boundaries. Pakistan would be banking on him to deal with the pace duo of Morkel and Steyn and then score freely against the likes of Peterson etc.

Imran Nazir – What a display of hitting we saw from this man against a good Bangladesh attack. Such sustained striking can change the game on its head. He made a mockery of a total of 175. Pakistan would dearly want him to find his feet against South Africa and take their bowlers to the cleaners as well. A flying start could put a lot of pressure on the opposition bowlers.

Saeed Ajmal – A few people possess the variety and variations this man has. He can run through the opposition with minimal effort. The last match was not one to remember for him as he was easily scored off. He needs to get his rhythm back against the South Africans because Pakistan heavily depend on him to get them crucial wickets. South Africa on the other hand will have to make a game plan on how to manoeuvre him for runs rather than throwing their bat against him.

The T20 World Cup has come to life after the nail biting finish to the Sri Lanka- New Zealand game. The fans would hope that this match adds to the fun and excitement.

Head to head

South Africa lead the head to head by 3-2.

Prediction

This one should be a close one. Pakistan have the ability to beat any side on their day, but the current form suggests that South Africa should clinch this one, provided they fend off the spin duo of Ajmal and Hafeez.