Two weeks into the tournament, we are entering the stage of tournament where any result will be a make for one team and break for another. Such is the contest between the resurgent West Indies and tournament favourites Proteans on Friday, February 27.
Yes, South Africa can still be called tournament favourites. They have played just 2 games and have won one of them. Only that the win against Zimbabwe was not convincing and the loss against India was demoralizing. But with 4 more games in hand, they can always make a come back. We have seen that happen in this tournament and their opponent on Friday is one such example. Starting the tournament on the wrong foot, losing to Ireland, West Indies had done pretty well in their victory against Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Now they have 4 points out of three games and a healthy Net Run Rate.
A win for West Indies would push them to a position of safety in the pool table where the quarter final slot will be almost sealed. A defeat however will make their next two games must win for them. On the other hand for South Africa, a win would keep their progress on track and defeat could derail them. They are still a good team to make a first round exit but not ending up on the top 2 of the pool would mean that they will have to face Australia or New Zealand in the quarter finals, which they would prefer to avoid.
Both history and statistics are in South Africa's favour. South Africa lead 16-1 in the recent 18 encounters. In the world cup it is a bit closer with South Africa leading 3-2. In the recent series back home, they had defeated them 4-1, the loss coming in a dead rubber.
After the heroics against the ordinary Zimbabwean attack, cricket enthusiast s and fans would be waiting with much anticipation to see how Gayle performs against one of the best attacks in the world. However it is worth mentioning that he does not have a very good record against South Africa, his highest score in 13 matches against South Africa being 45.
Though each of us would like to witness a Steyn v Gayle battle, but his participation seems doubtful because of his back problem. Suleimann Benn, who missed the Zimbabwe game could play tomorrow, instead of Nikita Miller, if declared fit. Apart from these two changes, West Indies will retain the same squad as against Zimbabwe.
Vernon Philander will not be available after he suffered a hamstring injury during match against India. Thus Kyle Abbott, will be the likely replacement. Farhaan Behardien could return in place of Parnell. The management could instead go with Rilee Russouw as well.
One thing that AB will be mindful of would be the over rate. He is already on warning. In case he is not able to get the overs bowled in right time, he may miss the next match.
This is Sydney's first match of the tournament and South Africa will not have good memories of this ground. It was here on this ground that South Africa was set an infamous target of 22 runs off 1 ball in the 1992 world cup.
Even though South Africa will start as favourite, it is South Africa which will also be under pressure.
*Image: courtsey Star Sports
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