Also rans, always there, there and there abouts – some of the tags that have accompanied the South Africa side throughout their World Cup participation history. It does indeed defy belief that a side which has boasted the likes of Jacques Kallis, Lance Kluesner, Jonty Rhodes, Allan Donald and Ab de Villiers is yet to win the World Cup. But could 2019 be the year when the Proteas finally defy the 'chokers' tag?

By Amir Husain (23rd May, 2019)

Strengths:

A team which boasts two bowlers, Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada, ranked among the top players in ICC’s ODI rankings for bowlers can only be rated as strong. Add to that presence of one of the most menacing bowlers on the face of the planet, Dale Steyn and you have a bowling unit which would be the envy of many others. But the awesomeness of this South African outfit doesn’t stop with their bowling strength as the batting also has some names which would already be causing nightmares to potential opposition bowlers. Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis are currently ranked 4th and 5th respectively in ICC’s ranking for ODI batsmen and they are well supported by the likes of the veteran Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Aiden Markram – each of whom can win games on their own.


Weaknesses:

The current South Africa squad may have its strengths but to succeed in England, as Pakistan have seen to their detriment recently, there needs to be variety in the bowling attack. Imran Tahir’s excellence is well known but, what South Africa lack is a genuine spinner to support Imran should they encounter pitches in England where two spinners are needed. To look for weaknesses in this South Africa line-up is a tough ask but like other sides from this country, there is a distinct lack of mental toughness when competing in major tournaments. We have seen this in the past World Cup, and we saw it happen again in the Champions Trophy in 2017. It appears that South Africa will need to overcome a mental block which has afflicted them over many years of competing in the World Cup. Whilst having Steyn and Rabada in their squad looks great on paper, the fact is that both bowlers have been plagued by injuries. Additionally, for a tournament which is being expected to be dominated by the batsmen, the batting does have a fragile look about it. 


Players to watch:

Rassie van der Dussen at 30 years of age isn’t young but he has still forced his way into the squad by the sheer weight of runs in the nine ODIs he’s played in, scoring 353 at an outstanding average of 88.25, which includes four half-centuries. Amongst the regulars, Quinton de Kock will be the man to watch for especially where Hashim Amla has been going through a lean patch of late. And amongst bowlers, the Kagiso Rabada factor will be an important one if the Proteas are to make any significant attempt at reaching the top.


Prediction:

The tag of ‘chokers’ is one that South Africa will look to expunge as soon as they can, but history indicates that this has always been tough ask for team that always looks good on paper but fails to deliver when it counts. A disappointing exit in the semi-final stage is more than likely for Faf du Plessis’ men.


Full squad:

Faf du Plessis (captain)
Hashim Amla
Quinton de Kock
JP Duminy
Aiden Markram
David Miller
Lungi Ngidi
Chris Morris
Andile Phehlukwayo
Dwaine Pretorius
Kagiso Rabada
Tabraiz Shamsi
Dale Steyn
Imran Tahir
Rassie van der Dussen

Discuss!