The Proteas will forget about their 5-0 thrashing of the West Indies last year when the two sides meet in Delhi for their ICC Cricket World Cup opening encounter on Thursday.
West Indies, who won the tournament twice in the 1970s, have proved to be an unpredictable side and have caused trouble for the South Africans on a few occasions in major competitions. This is despite South Africa’s impressive 37 wins against the West Indies in their 50 ODI meetings.
The two teams have met four times during the World Cup – each winning two games apiece.
But the South Africans are confident ahead of the clash, especially with news that Jacques Kallis is a 100 percent match fit.
The Proteas have been quite vocal about the “chokers” tag over the past few days and will go into the game ready for war against a side that is also keen to regain some form after losing their recent ODI series to Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, two passionate cricket fans told BuaNews why they are revved up for South Africa’s sixth World Cup appearance.
Niels Colesky fell in love with the game in the early 80s and feels cricket is the best sport.
“Every ball that is bowled offers myriad variables. Everything in cricket can be beautiful… a flat six, a six out the ground, a cracking cover drive or a well timed drive that threads its way between two or three fielders,” said Colesky, as he explained his appreciation for the game.
Colesky said the competition is too close but predicted that South Africa or Pakistan will take the Cup.
“Pakistan are so unpredictable and after the match-fixing hearing, they must be hurting a lot. Every hunter will tell you to be very wary of a wounded animal. India will probably succumb to the pressure. Australia are a real threat because regardless of anything else, they are Australia… but their bowling is very weak at the moment,” said Colesky.
He is disappointed that Mark Boucher isn’t wearing the gloves and feels AB de Villiers batting will suffer for the extra responsibility.
“I am worried how many byes he will let through as well as missed chances for stumpings and sharp catches. By putting him in the gloves, we have lost a brilliant fielder,” said Colesky.
Skipper Graeme Smith received much praise from Colesky: “I think he is brilliant but is too often let down by his team. I am sure he wants to step down soon and the challenge is going to be to replace him.”
As for his guess on who’s most likely going to be the next captain, Colesky said, “Hashim Amla is very popular with just about everybody with a South African passport… he is the natural choice but I also think JP [Duminy] might have something to offer.”
Fanatical since nine-years-old, Ayanda Mbuyazi said no time difference can keep him away from any cricket match.
“I been watching cricket since the 93/94 Tour to Australia and from that day, this time-zone difference thing has not stopped me from waking up at ungodly hours, sometimes not even going to bed in the case of New Zealand and Caribbean Tours,” said Mbuyazi.
Harbouring “too many scars” from South Africa’s track record at the World Cup, Mbuyazi is “hoping for a miracle.” According to him, India followed by Australia are most likely to win the title.
Mbuyazi is generally happy with the South African squad but would have made a few tweaks.
“I would have loved to see Jacques Rudolph, Justin Kemp and Albie Morkel there. Charl Langeveldt too, because he always delivers. Why is Wayne Parnel at the World Cup? Give his spot to a batsman! Morne van Wyk should play more and as the first choice keeper and let AB [de Villiers] bat and go man the covers,” said Mbuyazi. – Kemantha Govender, BuaNews
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