At the start of the World Cup, when South Africa would have looked at the schedule, and would have seen that they would be taking on West Indies at Sydney in one of the pool games, it wouldn't have given them a lot of headaches. After all, they had only recently thrashed the West Indies in a one-day series. But, South Africa have a habit of putting themselves under pressure in the World Cup, and have done so again. After recovering from a poor start again Zimbabwe to register a thumping win, South Africa put up an absolutely clueless performance against India at Melbourne to lose by a massive margin. They now face West Indies, who will go into the match with renewed confidence courtesy record-breaker Chris Gayle.
Keeping aside what Gayle delivered against Zimbabwe, South Africa should be hopeful of performing better against the Windies batting line up. After all, the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel cannot be as easy to get away as Panyangara and Chatara. Still, South Africa will have to ensure that they get their act together for Windies would be super buoyed by the efforts of Gayle and Marlon Samuels against Zimbabwe. They have been dealt a big blow with Vernon Philander being ruled out of the match due to his hamstring injury. But, it will be a chance for Steyn and Morkel to rise to the occasion. Leggie Imran Tahir could also have a key role to play since West Indies have traditionally struggled against spin.
South Africa's batting was most disappointing at Melbourne, and they would be keen to get their act right at Sydney. The Proteas seemed under extreme pressure as a sea of blue engulfed the MCG. The scenario would not be the same at the SCG, but South Africa need to show significant improvements nonetheless. Except for Faf fu Plessis no one got a fifty against India. It will thus be crucial for the likes of Hashim Amla and skipper AB de Villiers to fire against the Windies. Surprisingly, India outdid South Africa in two elements of the game that the Proteas are renowned for -- fielding and running between the wickets. They would be keen to get back on track.
Although West Indies would be pleased with back to back wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe, they would do well to remember that they are renowned to come up with equally shocking performances, which is what they did in the first game against Ireland. It is imperative for West Indies to take the confidence gained from the Zimbabwe win, but the euphoria must not lead them down the wrong path. Gayle was sensational against the other African nation, but he now has a chance to take his form further against a much stronger African outfit. If Gayle can come up with another impressive knock, nothing better for the side. Samuels, the unsung hero of the Zimbabwe win will also be keen to carry on his good form.
West Indies' batting in the series has been rather excellent but for the initial collapse against Ireland. They have actually crossed the 300 mark in all the matches they have played so far. And, if you take out their poor effort against the Irish, their bowling has also impressed. Jerome Taylor in particular has been on the top of his game, and skipper Jason Holder too has done well. The others have chipped in nicely, and so West Indies should be hopeful of doing well against South Africa. It has been an unbelievable turnaround for the Windies after a horror start. Can they take the momentum into Sydney?
--By A Cricket Analyst
