South Africans are the biggest chokers in international cricket. That is the tag this team has got after losing matches from winning positions in big tournaments like the World Cup.
In the past, they started off well, but lost the plot in crucial moments. The 2015 World Cup is another opportunity for them to make amends.
Just like India can never lose a World Cup match to Pakistan as it has never happened in the history of the showpiece event, the popular belief is that South Africa can never get rid of the chokers’ tag. This is the team, which always comes forth with loads of promise. And this time too, things are no different.
Every team has around four to six players who have been a part of the previous World Cup team, but South Africa is the only team in the competition, which will have maximum players in the core team, who played the previous version of the tournament four years ago in the sub-continent.
This South African team has the right balance and can even stand tall when an opponent batsman like Chris Gayle is breathing fire! The batting department led by AB de Villiers and his deputy Hashim Amla form the most potent combo.
Then, Faf du Plessis is in the form of his life and can do no wrong. And then there are others who are in the team who showed their intent throughout the year. JP Duminy is one of them who will be very handy in the middle-order, especially in the closing stages of a match.
The bowling is mostly dominated by the pacers. Probably, world’s best fast bowler Dale Steyn is spearheading the attack with Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. This team is backed by some good fielders too.
All put together, South Africa look good on paper as they are busy playing the West Indies in an ODI series at home. But when they reach Australia for the big tournament, this will be an ultimate test for de Villiers and his men.
