South Africa clinched a comprehensive 52-run win over Bangladesh in the opening T20 in Mirpur on Sunday. Having won the toss and opting to bat first, the visitors were restricted to 148-4 in their 20 overs...
Despite the popularity of the Twenty20 format around the globe, despite the success of the Cricket World Cup earlier this year, Test match cricket is still the pinnacle...
Why Imran Tahir Was the Star Man for South Africa at the 2015 Cricket World Cup
Apr 3, 2015
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 24: Imran Tahir of South Africa reacts during the 2015 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park on March 24, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Imran Tahir has been a key cog in the South African limited-overs team for some time now. His struggles in Test cricket have been well-documented, but when it comes to limited-overs cricket, Tahir really comes into his own.
During South Africa’s World Cup campaign, his value was underscored once more. With 15 wickets at an average of 21.23 and an economy rate of 4.23, Tahir formed an integral part of the bowling lineup.
As South Africa's go-to man during the powerplays, Tahir's task was mainly to build pressure, especially when the speedsters had failed to fire up front. His efforts saw him rocket to No. 2 in the ICC bowler rankings.
While Morne Morkel played a vital role, too, Tahir was more important because of his versatility. Not only is he effective at various stages of the innings, he also has loads of tricks up his sleeve.
In the longer format of the game, Tahir’s variation often goes awry. When batsmen have settled, they take advantage of his bad balls. In limited overs, fields are set for those bad balls, which allows him to use his googly more effectively. His ability to generate turn even on pitches that aren’t conducive to spin is also useful.
After his performances in the World Cup, where he took one four-wicket haul and a five-wicket haul, Tahir finds himself in the illustrious company of Shane Warne, Shahid Afridi and Muttiah Muralitharan who have taken the most four-wicket hauls at the World Cup. All of the mentioned players have four each.
Imran Tahir in World Cup matches (2011 and 2015) 29 wickets at average of 16.31 and SR 23.9 and ER 4.08 - amazing
Despite his incredible performances for South Africa, he missed out on a spot in the ICC’s official World Cup XI. Daniel Vettori took on the spinner’s role and many will view this as an unlucky selection.
Guys, let's be serious. Imran Tahir was the spin bowler of the competition. The ICCs list is just pandering.
The great thing about Tahir’s rise to the top is that his foray into international cricket has been somewhat accidental. According to Gary Stanyer from Kidsgrove Cricket Club in Birmingham, the man who was behind Tahir’s stint in England a few years ago, cricket wasn’t Tahir’s first priority when he had moved to South Africa.
He was quoted by the Times of India as saying: "Cricket was secondary. He went to South Africa in 2006-07 for the love of his wife. She had a job there and Imran had no option but to go there. He took up playing cricket there just for the sake of it, since he had very little to do. For him, to be playing for South Africa is accidental."
This is a heartening tale that shows, with a little bit of luck, hard work and determination, sporting dreams can come true. Having the talent Tahir does helps, of course, but sometimes you just need things to line up in the right way.
Tahir is already 35 years old, but this is still young for a spinner. He might not feature in many Tests, but his value in the limited-overs side should last for a few years still to come.
After such an impressive World Cup, South Africa will be mindful of finding ways to effectively manage one of the most talented limited-overs spinners they have ever had.
All quotes and information obtained firsthand, unless otherwise stated.
South Africa Riding AB de Villiers' Highs and Lows into World Cup Semi-Final
Mar 23, 2015
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: AB de Villiers of South Africa leaves the ground during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Quarter Final match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Ingenious. Impenetrable. A fearsome striker. A true athlete. Staggeringly consistent.
The world's best.
As a batsman, AB de Villiers is, right now, the ultimate. As good as it comes. A dynamic and swashbuckling cricketer of such phenomenal excellence that many of us have arrived at a similar conclusion: "He's playing a different game."
But there's also another side to South Africa's one-day captain. There's another set of adjectives that, at different junctures, can also describe him.
Unsure. Despondent. Easily affected. A second-guesser. Up and down.
Outwardly, De Villiers' personality seems different from the all-conquering man he is on the field. He appears to be one of the many sportsmen whose character isn't exactly what his game makes you think it might be.
Never before has that seemed more evident than it has across the last few months, as South Africa have prepared for, and embarked upon, what has been the country's historical nemesis: a World Cup campaign.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 23: AB de Villiers of South Africa talks to the media during a South Africa press conference at Eden Park on March 23, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Indeed, unlike his batting, De Villiers' emotions appear to go through dramatic highs and lows. Peaks and troughs. One minute, he's bullish, speaking with supreme confidence of his team's credentials; the next, he seems down in the dumps, questioning all the concepts he'd previously believed in.
Watching him do so has felt odd. Particularly for a guy averaging a mind-blowing 77.25 with the bat in one-day internationals since January 2014. At a strike rate of 126.63. One hundred and twenty-six.
Most of us would think we could walk on water if that was us. It's extraordinary consistency.
But De Villiers appears to carry the uncertainties that remind you he is mortal.
"I just want to sit in my room and feel sad for a while," the Proteas' leader said, per ESPN Cricinfo, after his team had been surprisingly thrashed by India in Melbourne at this World Cup.
Not long later, after his team had been upset by Pakistan, De Villiers' mood was similar, suggesting, "[We might] not be as good as we think we are."
In fact, that night heard the world's No. 1 ranked ODI batsman remark, "I've got nothing good to say about the team at the moment."
Rarely do you hear a captain so negative. So despondent. So down.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 07: AB de Villiers of South Africa leaves the field during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan at Eden Park on March 7, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Yet, less than a week later, the 31-year-old's outlook had completed a full reversal.
"I 100 percent believe we are the best team in the tournament here," De Villiers said, appearing to recapture the sort of confidence and conviction that befits a player of his calibre.
He then continued that sentiment in the lead-up to South Africa's semi-final clash with New Zealand in Auckland, saying, per Agence France-Presse (h/t the Daily Mail): "If we play to our full potential, no one is going to stop us in this tournament."
Such a string of comments serve as good examples of the ups and downs De Villiers seems to endure in his mind. And in that sense, he's become emblematic of his team, of South Africa's collective psyche.
For the Proteas have experienced a six-month stretch that's oscillated between each end of the spectrum on the field, which has been articulated by, and seen in, the skipper.
In October, South Africa brushed aside the now-surging New Zealand outfit in two games at Mount Maunganui. "We did the basics well, certainly better than New Zealand. That gives us a lot of confidence," the captain said after the series, per Firdose Moonda of ESPN Cricinfo.
MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 24: AB de Villiers of South Africa celebrates the wicket of Tom Latham of New Zealand during the One Day International match between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval on October 24, 2014 in Mount Maunganui, N
Then, before South Africa embarked upon a five-game one-day campaign against Australia, De Villiers made the assertion that his team had "started talking about the World Cup when we had about 25 or 30 ODIs to play and we've got 10 left."
The suggestion was that the side's World Cup preparations were more advanced than those of others. That they had their plans formulated already. That they knew the ins and outs of their games to a greater extent.
Prior to leaving South Africa, he'd also challenged his team to produce "out-of-this-world fielding," adding that his team had "a bit of an edge" over Australia.
But after just one game in the series with Australia, after the opening loss in Perth where his side had dropped George Bailey four times, he was openly questioning himself.
"Maybe I made a mistake mentioning it in the media and putting too much emphasis on it," he said after that clash at the WACA Ground, per ESPN Cricinfo. "I put a bit of pressure on the guys maybe."
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Australia celebrate after AB de Villiers of South Africa is run out during game one of the men's one day international series between Australia and South Africa at WACA on November 14, 2014 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by
That opening loss seemed to shake South Africa's confidence out of them. They'd arrived buoyant. Talking strongly. Walking like conquerors.
But they lost the series 4-1.
"Maybe we over-thought things; maybe we've been over-analysing things a little bit," De Villiers said in defeat, according to Moonda. "Maybe I must stop talking about the little things we mustn't do and start talking about the things we should do."
That's a lot of maybes. A word that reflects uncertainty. A loss of assurance.
But 24 hours later, he did one of those 180-degree turns.
"There is absolutely no doubt in [my] mind we are the better team" he stated despite the lopsided scoreline, before adding: "We will be the team to beat at the World Cup."
His side are now into the semi-finals of that tournament he spoke of. One game away from going into uncharted territory for his nation.
But strangely, they've gotten there in an up-and-down fashion. Both in the tournament itself and on the road leading up to it.
The path prior to the World Cup was bumpy, breezing past New Zealand and the West Indies either side of collapsing against Australia. Now deep into the competition, they've annihilated the West Indies (again), Sri Lanka, Ireland and the UAE, but also fallen in holes against India and Pakistan.
Up. Down. Up. Down.
South Africa are riding the highs and lows. And no one is doing so more than the team's captain.
Cricket World Cup: Imran Tahir Steps Up as South Africa's Key ODI Spinner
Mar 19, 2015
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Imran Tahir of South Africa celebrates dismissing Thisara Perera of Sri Lanka during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Since making his international debut for South Africa, spinner Imran Tahir has been a little inconsistent and found himself in and out of the Proteas side.
However, in the past year, he has been able to force his way back into the reckoning, and in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, he has proved himself to be capable of performing internationally.
That was especially apparent in the Proteas’ quarter-final against Sri Lanka, where he took four for 26 in 8.2 overs, an economy rate of just 3.12 runs per over.
He also took his four wickets while conceding just two boundaries, something he has worked hard to correct having been guilty in the past of leaking runs too easily.
The way he took the Sri Lankan wickets, too, show how far he has come.
Lahiru Thirimanne was fooled by a little extra bounce and the ball stopping on him slightly to loop up a simple caught-and-bowled dismissal when well set on 41.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Imran Tahir of South Africa appeals for a wicket during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Quarter Final match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan P
Both Mahela Jayawardene and Thisara Perera tried to attack Tahir against the spin and were caught, while Lasith Malinga had a heave and was caught at cover by David Miller.
In addition, he has shown a great ability to control the middle overs of a one-day international innings, a crucial time in which batsmen can really up their run-rate.
He has been rewarded throughout this World Cup, having now taken 15 wickets to lead all spinners, which includes five for 45 against the West Indies.
Perhaps the most revealing performance of his tournament so far came against India in their group game, where he took one for 48 but showed great control.
The Indians have always been good players of spin, but Tahir was able to strangle their innings and prevent them racking up an even bigger score than 307.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a8t0MjVsIQ
He has managed to take advantage of batsmen trying to be aggressive against his bowling, as his variations work in his favour and fool those who look to attack.
It is all a far cry from his first Test in Australia back in 2012, when he went wicketless in the game and conceded 260 from 37 combined overs.
That lack of consistency meant the Proteas had real concerns about their spin resources, which were in vast contrast to their overflowing battery of pace bowlers.
Instead, for the second World Cup in a row, having taken 14 in the 2011 tournament, Tahir has proven he can shine in ODIs.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 07: Imran Tahir of South Africa celebrates his wicket of Wahab Riaz of Pakistan during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan at Eden Park on March 7, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by
He has embraced the challenge of a pressurised tournament such as the World Cup, and batsmen are struggling to work out how to play him.
It is a testament to his work ethic and his improvement as a bowler, and with the Proteas now in the semifinals, he will once again be seen as a key part of their bowling attack.
With South Africa closer than ever to a World Cup trophy, the timing could not have been better from their 35-year-old spinner to show he has plenty left to give.
South Africa Win, JP Duminy Stars and More from the 1st Quarter-Final
Mar 18, 2015
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: JP Duminy of South Africa celebrates with his team mates after taking the wicket of Tharindu Kaushal of Sri Lanka during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
South Africa became the first nation through to the semi-finals of the World Cup after they eased to a nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Sydney.
The Proteas claimed their first knockout win in the history of the tournament at the SCG.
Imran Tahir claimed four for 26 while fellow slow bowler JP Duminy became the first South African to take a hat-trick in a World Cup fixture.
The duo’s efforts helped see Sri Lanka bowled out for 133 in 37.2 overs, a real disappointment for Angelo Mathews’ side after they had won the toss and opted to bat first in the day-night fixture.
South Africa had no problems in their run chase, Quinton de Kock making an unbeaten 78 from 57 balls as the target was reached with 192 balls to spare.
While it was the spinners who did the majority of the damage for South Africa, Kyle Abbott and Dale Steyn both claimed crucial early wickets.
Abbott had already managed to get Kusal Perera caught behind by the time Steyn produced a cracking delivery to dismiss the dangerous Tillakaratne Dilshan.
A delivery that moved away in the air tempted the batsman to go for a drive, though instead of finding the middle of the bat it hit the outside edge.
Faf du Plessis made sure Dilshan didn’t escape for his error, taking a low catch down to his right at second slip.
As you can see, Steyn was rather pleased with the dismissal:
There ain't no celebration like a @DaleSteyn62 wicket celebration...
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 18, 2015
Shot of the day
While the World Cup has seen plenty of runs (South Africa have amassed totals of over 400 twice in the competition this year), the first quarter-final did not see one six hit by either nation.
Sri Lanka only managed to find the boundary nine times in their innings, Lahiru Thirimanne hitting five of them during his innings of 41.
De Kock managed to find the rope on more occasions than the entire Sri Lanka team combined, his unbeaten knock including 12 fours.
There were some lovely, crunching cover drives, but perhaps the best of the lot for every South African fan was the boundary the left-hander struck to clinch that long-awaited maiden triumph in the knockout stages.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Quinton de Kock of South Africa bats during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Quarter Final match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty
Catch of the day
Du Plessis’ effort to remove Dilshan was impressive, but De Kock’s grab to complete the dismissal of opener Perera was the pick of the catches taken on Wednesday.
The wicketkeeper dived low to his left to cling on to a thick edge, albeit needing two attempts to secure the ball in his glove.
The wicket was the perfect start for South Africa, particularly after they had been sent into the field after losing the toss.
Thursday’s action comes from the MCG in Melbourne, Australia, as India face Bangladesh in the second quarter-final.
Bangladesh defeated England to claim the final qualifying berth in Group A, while India—the reigning champions—finished on top of Group B with a perfect record of six wins from six matches.
JP Duminy Takes First South Africa Hat-Trick at Cricket World Cup
Mar 18, 2015
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: JP Duminy and Faf du Plessis of South Africa celebrates combining to take the wicket of Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 18, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
JP Duminy may be viewed as a part-time spinner in South Africa, but he made a huge name for himself on the biggest stage by becoming the first player from his country to take a hat-trick at a Cricket World Cup.
South Africa have an abysmal record in the knockout stages of World Cups, but Duminy—aided by Imran Tahir—set them on course for the semi-finals with a brilliant effort with the ball against Sri Lanka.
4 wickets for 2 runs in 9 balls. Usually we see this kinda stuff when #SA is batting in knockout games. Boot is in the other foot now #SAvSL
The first of the hat-trick deliveries owed more to the batsman than the bowler, as Angelo Mathews ran down the wicket and attempted to whip the ball over midwicket but only succeeded in picking out Faf du Plessis.
That was the final ball of Duminy’s eighth over; at the start of his ninth he ramped up the pressure yet further.
Throwing the ball up outside off stump, Nuwan Kulasekara played for turn that was not there and feathered a catch behind to Quinton de Kock. To the batsman's credit, he walked with the umpire seemingly not hearing anything.
One ball later, Duminy etched his name in the history books with the wicket of Tharindu Kaushal who played all around a straight one and was plumb lbw.
The job has been set up by the bowlers, it's now up to South Africa's batsmen to get them into the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka vs. South Africa: Scorecard, Highlights from 1st Innings
Mar 17, 2015
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Tillakaratne Dilshan of Sri Lanka congratulates Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka after he passed the milestone of 14000 one day international runs during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 8, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
The opening World Cup quarter-final takes place on Wednesday when South Africa face Sri Lanka in Sydney, Australia.
Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, the tournament's leading scorer after the group stage, will hope to add to his already impressive tally of 496 runs in the day-night fixture at the SCG.
Sangakkara and team-mate Mahela Jayawardene know that they must be victorious over South Africa if they are to extend their illustrious international careers for at least one more match.
However, to do so he will have to cope with a bowling attack that includes the dangerous pace pairing of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, as well as leg-spinner Imran Tahir.
The Proteas have never won a knockout fixture at a World Cup but can at least draw on the memories of a one-day series victory in Sri Lanka last year.
South Africa captain AB de Villiers has seen his team score over 400 twice in the tournament so far, though they have also disappointed with the bat in defeats to India and Pakistan.
The pressure is on both teams as they look to book a place in the last four.
WICKET! SL 133 all out (Malinga c Miller b Tahir 3) So that is the end of that. All the talk of batting being Sri Lanka's strongest disciplines and they've lasted a grand total of 37.2 overs. Pace wasn't even the major weapon for the Proteas either, as Tahir picked up four wickets and Duminy claimed a hat-trick.
BACK ON! The rain proved to be brief. Sri Lanka had little respite and now find themselves back out in the middle hoping the tail can wag in rather epic fashion.
WICKET! SL 127-9 (Sangakkara c Miller b Morkel 45) And now Kumar's vigil comes to an end. He tries to uppercut Morkel but only ends up steering a catching opportunity to the fielder at third man. As he walks off the field for the final time for Sri Lanka in one-day cricket, the heavens open and we will get a break for rain in Sydney.
SL 126-8 (36 overs) Sangakkara has no option now but to cut loose. He takes the returning Abbott for 11 runs, all the while making sure no.10 batsman Dushmantha Chameera doesn't get exposed to the paceman.
WICKET! SL 116-8 (Kaushal lbw Duminy 0) Debutant Kaushal plays all around a straight delivery from Duminy to be trapped bang in front first ball for a duck. Now with Duminy taking a wicket to finish his previous over and now getting two in two at the start of the next it can mean only one thing—he has a WORLD CUP HAT-TRICK!
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 18, 2015
WICKET! SL 116-7 (Kulasekara c De Kock b Duminy1) And the gloom deepens for Sri Lanka. Nuwan Kulasekara had appeared to get an edge through to wicketkeeper De Kock, though umpire Rod Tucker was at first unmoved. Not sure if he gave the nod to the batsman or Kulasekara walked, but either way he's gone for a single.
WICKET! SL 115-6 (Perera c Rossouw b Tahir 0) Perera comes in...and Perera quickly goes back to the pavilion again. The left-hander, a dangerous hitter when on form, edges Tahir to first slip via a sizeable deflection off wicketkeeper De Kock's gloves. Rossouw keeps his eye on the ball and snaffles the catch. Sri Lanka in all sorts now.
WICKET! SL 114-5 (33 overs) Mathews perishes, and right before the batting power play has to be taken, too. He tried to loft Duminy's off-spin over mid-wicket, yet instead simply provided Du Plessis with his third catch of the day. It was struck firmly but the fielder barely had to move from his position inside the circle.
SL 105-4 (30 overs) South Africa smelling blood in the water. Morkel and Steyn both come back for short spells, knowing another wicket could really crack this Sri Lankan innings wide open. Morkel in particular troubled Mathews, who took a nasty short ball on the glove and needed treatment.
100 up, in 29th. Mathews clonked on the hand by Morkel. Sanga 26 off 72. He's been out twice in his last 436 balls, scoring 476 runs.
SL 93-4 (27 overs) Morkel breaks up the run of overs from spinners, South Africa sensing another wicket would kick the Sri Lankan door through. At the moment, it's still only ajar with Sangakkara at the crease.
WICKET! SL 81-4 (23.1 overs) Jayawardene got away with a close lbw call, but there's nothing to save him when he slams a Tahir half-tracker straight into the hands of Du Plessis at mid-wicket. Never looked comfortable at the crease
SL 81-3 (23 overs) South Africa whizzing through the overs from Duminy and Tahir—the pair have combined so far to concede 32 from their nine overs.
UMPIRE'S CALL! Jayawardene survives a review for an lbw appeal. Bowler Tahir was so certain it was out he appealed on no fewer than three occasions himself. However, the DRS shows that it was umpire's call in terms of where the batsman was struck on the front pad. After that, it was going on to cannon into middle and off stick.
Good running, cramp-free celebration from Tahir. #SLvSA#CWC15
WICKET! SL 69/3 (19.1 overs) Thirimanne had played so well to reach 41, yet has given his wicket away rather cheaply. He has prodded a simple return catch back to a delighted Tahir. The bowler celebrated with a seriously rapid sprint towards the boundary before a team-mate finally cut short his journey.
I love Morne Morkel’s weird wobbly run up. He looks like if he got any quicker parts of him would start to fall off #SLvSA#CWC15
SL 64-2 (18 overs) The middle overs, the period of play when it becomes tough not to nod off. South Africa have spin on from both ends as Sangakkara starts to show the occasional sign of frustration at his lack of runs.
SL 50-2 (15 overs) South Africa turn to spin for the first time, though Duminy gets the chance to turn his arm over before Tahir. Sri Lanka creeping along at a sloth-like pace.
SL 35-2 (10 overs) The opening power play stint ends with Sri Lanka starting to recover from that shocking start. Thirimanne is the man right now—he's scored 27 of the 31 runs so far put on with Sangakkara, who has managed two from 21 deliveries.
SL 27-2 (9 overs) Thirimanne continues to show off his wonderful cover drive. His second attempt at the shot in the Morkel over gets him four over the top of cover. His first effort, however, had been sliced just wide of the diving fielder at backward point.
Do you reckon Steyn enjoyed that wicket? Hard to tell...
SL 17-2 (7 overs) From the 16th delivery he has faced, Sangakkara finally gets off the mark. Morkel rather spoils his first over with a no ball that resulted in a free hit. Thirimanne ends up playing a tennis shot to mid-wicket, meaning the chance results in no extra runs being scored.
SL 16-2 (6 overs) The Sri Lankan supporters come to life when Thirimanne drives Abbott for back-to-back boundaries. Both are glorious drives through the cover area.
Dale Steyn needs some treatment on a neck problem. He did celebrate in a rather spectacular manner after the wicket of Dilshan. He's been causing pain for Sri Lanka's top order so far.
Two amazing catches. SL yet to hit a run off the middle of the bat. Which team has the big match jinx again? #SAvSL#CWC15
WICKET! SL 4-2 Dilshan gone now, and it's another good catch behind the wicket. A Steyn outswinger is nicked and the fit-again Faf du Plessis makes an excellent grab tumbling low to his right. That's a seven-ball duck for Tillakaratne.
WICKET! SL 3-1 Perera had been trying to wipe the cover off pretty much every delivery he had faced. The last of them sees him make some contact, only it's an edge that wicketkeeper de Kock takes diving to his left.
What a catch! De Kock takes a beauty on the second grab and Kusal Perera is gone for 3. Abbott strikes. #SL 1-3 (1.4) #cwc15#SLvSA
SL 3-0 (1 over) Perera gets off the mark with a flash to third man that nets him a couple of runs. He keeps strike with a thick edge to the same fielder. Steyn seems fired up in the afternoon heat.
We're about to get underway in Sydney. Sri Lanka have the chance to crank up the pressure on South Africa by setting them a tall order when it's their turn to bat. The Sri Lankans also know that batting is comfortably their stronger suit.
Just a reminder that no matter how South Africa lose, it’s a ‘choke’. And if they win, they’ve choked the choke. #SAvSL#CWC15
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 18, 2015
3:10 AM Weds, Mar 18
So, Sri Lanka are without the experienced Rangana Herath. Instead they have selected a mystery spinner in Tharindu Kaushal who will be making his ODI debut in a World Cup quarter-final. No pressure then.
South Africa, meanwhile, have left out Vernon Philander and opted to go with Kyle Abbott as the third frontline seamer. They have four bowlers, meaning JP Duminy and skipper AB de Villiers will have to help fill in for 10 overs.
3:00 AM Weds, Mar 18
SA: H Amla, Q de Kock, F du Plessis, R Rossouw, AB de Villiers, D Miller, JP Duminy, D Steyn, K Abbott, M Morkel, I Tahir #ProteaFire#SLvSA
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 18, 2015
2:40 AM Weds, Mar 18
South Africa's World Cup Hopes Could Hinge on the Toss of a Coin
Mar 17, 2015
South Africa's AB De Villiers is airborne as he attempts to take a catch during their Cricket World Cup Pool B match against Ireland in Canberra, Australia, Tuesday, March 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith)
The World Cup quarter-finals are here and South Africa and Sri Lanka are the first two teams to square off when they take each other on at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. The two teams could not be any more different, though. South Africa have never won a knockout match while chasing, whereas Sri Lanka have an impressive record in the tournament, having won the World Cup in 1996 and finished as consecutive runners-up in 2007 and 2011.
South Africa’s rocky relationship with knockout matches have hinged largely on their ability to handle pressure. Signs of their inability to survive when the squeeze is on have already been evident during this tournament. They lost two matches in the pool stages, both while chasing. South Africa’s overall record when chasing has been dubious in the last few years, too.
Since the last World Cup in 2011, South Africa have lost 10 and won three matches when chasing a target of 250 or more. Among those 10 losses, four have been when chasing targets between 260 and 299, and six when chasing 300-plus. West Indies, Zimbabwe, England and Pakistan have a worse win-loss ratio when chasing these targets, while India (16-16) and Australia (7-8) have the best, as per ESPN Cricinfo.
While stats at Sydney do favour the teams batting second these days (eight wins compared to five when chasing in the last five years), South Africa’s quarter-final could very much hinge on a coin toss.
Knowing that South Africa are prone to crumbling under pressure, it’s highly unlikely that Sri Lanka will choose to bowl should they win the toss. Therefore, the toss is arguably more important than any of the other factors that will come into play on Wednesday.
South Africa’s strength has been batting first in this World Cup. The last they time played at Sydney they batted first and scored over 400 runs. With Sri Lanka’s bowling line-up being quite innocuous, batting first is imperative to South Africa’s victory charge.
It is not that they do not possess the batsmen to chase big totals, it’s just they do not seem to have the mental capacity to do so. Even a modest total, 250 is par batting first at the SCG, could prove to be fatal to their campaign.
When chasing a lowly target against Pakistan last week, South Africa combusted, with poor shot selection resulting in a complete failure to put partnerships together. South Africa’s captain AB de Villiers has already taken the stern approach to the albatross that has attached itself to his team’s neck and has expressed confidence in his team’s ability.
All I can say is we're not going to choke. We're just going to play a good game of cricket tomorrow and come out on top. Simple.
While De Villiers’ confidence is endearing, and it might seem overly simplistic to suggest that the end result could come down to the toss of a coin, the statistics very much suggest that a lot will hinge on it.
All quotes and information obtained firsthand, unless otherwise stated.
South Africa Triumph, De Villiers Falls for 99 and More from Day 27
Mar 12, 2015
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 12: Hashim Amla (L) and AB de Villiers of South Africa are all smiles after winning the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates at Wellington Regional Stadium on March 12, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
South Africa bounced back to winning ways in Thursday's World Cup action, beating United Arab Emirates by 146 runs in Wellington, New Zealand.
AB de Villiers fell agonisingly short of yet another ODI century, South Africa's skipper dismissed for 99 in his team's innings of 341 for six.
Still, their final total at the Westpac Stadium always looked to be far too many for UAE to chase down, and so it proved.
Swapnil Patel made an unbeaten 57, but two wickets apiece for Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and that man De Villiers saw the minnows bowled out for 195.
The victory means South Africa—who had been beaten by Pakistan in their previous outing—finish their campaign in Group B with four wins from six matches.
They are set to finish in second place, meaning Sri Lanka are their most likely quarter-final opponents.
UAE, meanwhile, still have one game to go, against West Indies on Sunday, before they head home.
De Villiers added to his tally of sixes in his innings, four more of them taking his total in the tournament to 20:
AB de Villiers is only the third batsman to go out for 99 in World Cups. He's also topping the #cwc15 sixes table! pic.twitter.com/KX0AzoK6QE
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 12, 2015
However, he did not play the pick of the shots during the match.
That honour goes to UAE's Mohammad Naveed after he had the audacity to launch Dale Steyn over the rope at deep mid-wicket.
Naveed—who had already added four runs to the total off his helmet after wearing a bouncer from Philander—shuffled outside of the line, and with Steyn following him, found a delivery right in his swing arc.
He duly dispatched it over the boundary for a six that travelled a long, long way. Steyn, as you would expect, was not amused.
HUGE! Mohammad Naveed takes full toll of Steyn with a big swipe on leg side! It travels 93 metres! What a shot! #UAE 154-6 #SAvUAE
Amjad Javed produced a clever slower ball to dismiss Quinton de Kock, albeit that the batsman wouldn't have actually been given out had it not been for the assistance of technology.
The off-cutter had De Kock pushing far too early outside his off stump, resulting in a clear edge through to wicketkeeper Saqlain Haider behind the stumps.
Umpire Steve Davis, though, seemed to be the only man who didn't hear the nick.
UAE quickly called for a review and, after instruction from the third umpire, Davis had to change his original decision.
The wicket actually put the struggling De Kock out of his misery—he had laboured for 45 balls to reach 26, still comfortably his highest score of the World Cup campaign so far.
Twitter, as you might expect, was not too sympathetic to Davis' plight:
Thing is, you can guarantee the ICC will give Steve Davis a semi or the final....he is worse than Bowden... #cwc15#savuae
You can take your pick from two great diving efforts by Rilee Rossouw.
UAE opener Andri Berenger was tucked up by a short delivery from Morkel and Rossouw made good ground from gully to slide forward and take the ball with his left hand.
He wasn't done there, though.
Saqlain sent a pull shot spiralling into the air out towards deep mid-wicket off the bowling of De Villiers.
Rossouw once again reacted quickly, allowing him to eat up the ground before diving forward again to cling on, this time with the ball ending up in his right hand.
Rossouw with the screamer! #UAE now 1-31 in the 8th over.
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 12, 2015
Friday at the World Cup
There are two matches in Group A on Friday.
New Zealand are already certain to finish on top of the pool, but opponents Bangladesh know a win at Seddon Park, Hamilton, would mean they do not have to face India in the next stage of the tournament.
The other fixture sees England conclude their miserable campaign with a potential banana skin against Afghanistan at the SCG in Sydney, Australia.
As if defeat to Bangladesh in Adelaide wasn't bad enough, Eoin Morgan's side will look to avoid suffering any further embarrassment before boarding the plane home.
