WC11 | PakPassion World Cup Team Preview - South Africa

[Genghis]

The final team off the blocks in PakPassion's World Cup preview is South Africa who begin their tournament on Thursday. Can the tagged 'chokers' overcome history and lift the cup?

Many thanks to ShehryarK for this in-depth preview.

[Genghis]

South Africa

World Cup Preview
The Squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk

World Cup Wins: None
Current ODI Ranking: 3
Strengths: Balanced bowling attack and experienced and varied batting line-up
Weaknesses: The 'chokers' tag and prior history
World Cup 2011 Group: B
Key Players: Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis

History

If there is a song that describes South Africa’s bids to win the Cricket World Cups of the past years, then one should go no further than Metallica's “The Day That Never Comes”!

The history of failed attempts by South Africa to win the most coveted title in world cricket reads like a chapters from “Tales of Unexpected Events”. If you are a passionate South African supporter, please look away now. This sorry tale of woe is truly heart-breaking for South African fans.

After being reinstated into world cricket by the ICC for the 1992 World Cup, they performed admirably in the tournament until a cruel rain affected Semi final loss. Before the rain came, South Africa needed 22 runs from 13 balls; an eminently gettable target and one which their batsmen would in all probability have achieved. A few minutes' rain delay, and the equation was bizarrely altered beyond all recognition: the same 22 runs, but now from from just one ball! This tragic end meant the ICC were forced to bring in a fairer rain rule after the World Cup, but it was too late for the South Africans in 1992.

Fast forward four years, and a Woolmer managed South Africa were the most accomplished side going into the last subcontinental world cup in 1996. They were excellent fielders, had some great bowlers and a well-drilled unit where everybody knew their place. They were rightly expected to go far, and did indeed top their group. What happened next can best be described as a "Brian Lara master-class". In the quarter-finals, Brian Lara did what only Brian Lara could do, and his sheer genius meant that SA were defeated by the lowly ranked West Indies.

Undoubtedly, the most embarrassing of moments in their history came three years later - their exit at the 1999 tournament in the semi finals. South Africa again went into the tournament as one of the favourites, and their performances justified the tag. To add to the method and science of Woolmer, they now had the inspirational genius of Lance 'Zulu' Klusener. The team had just won the 1998 ICC Knock-Out Trophy, against all other Test playing teams, and had a remarkable 73% ODI win percentage. History would surely be with them, after two near misses?

It was not to be. In a tense semi-final, in what was later to be described as one of the most thrilling and exciting ODI encounters of all time, South Africa managed to avoid winning despite it being fully in their grasp. With scores level, Allan Donald and Lance Klusener displayed kamikaze running between the wickets despite having deliveries to spare; as is often the case, the Waugh-led Australians held their nerve and forced a tie. Their crucial and for South Africa, unexpected win in the previous round earned the Aussies a progression to the final.

The image of Donald run out as Damien Fleming dislodged the bails has become folklore and this was when South Africa was first awarded the title of 'chokers'.

The 2003 World Cup at home was meant to be a redemption of the past, but it was their worst performance in a World Cup as they were unceremoniously knocked out in the first round. The Proteas' fate was sealed after a botched up effort from then captain Pollock to determine how much was needed in a rain effected game. The South African think tank made simple and avoidable errors, and the whole team was made to look rather foolish on home soil.

At the most recent World Cup in 2007, South Africa again showed good promise, but once again were unstuck at the hands of their old nemesis, Australia, in the semi finals.

Form

Can this Proteas team finally break the hoodoo and win a World Cup?

So where does the ever hopeful Proteas' fan go for solace? Is it even worth hoping after such a calamitous history? The good news is that there is hope and yet again, there are good reasons for the hope.

Recent narrow ODI series wins over Pakistan and India, both by the identical margin of 3-2, and both where SA had to win the final deciding game in order to win the series, indicate this team knows how to win the 'crunch' games and not choke under pressure.

Both India and Sri Lanka in sub-continental conditions would be a far trickier proposition though, and SA would be heavily reliant on their match-winning batsmen to score big.

In that regard, the Proteas' are blessed, for the South African squad picked for this tournament has some real match winners or game changers as referred to by some commentators.

Batting

In Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and AB DeVilliers, South Africa boast a top 6 that's bettered by few teams. The four big-name batsmen all average close to 40 or above it at a very healthy strike rate and are very accomplished ODI campaigners. South African fans will also take solace from the fact that three of these four, with the possible exception of Smith, are also in excellent form. During 2010, the triumvirate of Kallis, DeVillers and Amla averaged a scarcely believable 59 (SR: 89), 80 (SR: 102) and 76 (SR: 104).

Such fire-power and consistency will provide SA with the belief that they can chase down any total.

Bowling

Led by the ever-impressive Dale Steyn, the South African bowling attack shouldn't let the side down either. In Steyn, they boast the world's premier fast bowler, with Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Lonwabo Tsotsobe and the ever-green Kallis providing solid though unspectacular back-up in the pace department.

However, it is in spin bowling, SA's perennial weakness whilst both batting and bowling in the past, where the current attack comes into its own. Johann Botha is no Saqlain Mushtaq, but is nevertheless a thinking, calculating off-spinner who batsmen will under-estimate at their peril. Pakistan born leg-spinner Imran Tahir provides a hitherto missing leg-spinning option, with Robin Peterson providing the 'back-up vocals' in the spin department. Add the occasional spin of Smith and JP Duminy, and this is perhaps the most balanced SA bowling unit in a World Cup, ever.

Fielding

Traditionally, South Africa's great asset. Whilst Rhodes may have retired many years ago, his legacy lives on in the form of DeVilliers, perhaps the best fielder going into this World Cup. Amla and Duminy are also exceptionally good and almost everyone else is a 'good' fielder who can catch and throw with great competence.

In theory then, there should be no dropped catches or silly mistakes and this should be an area where South Africans can look forward to a flawless performance. In reality, in the recent past, there have been occasions when fielding standards have slipped, sometimes alarmingly so, in particular when the going got tough for the Proteas and pressure was applied on their bowling unit.

Star player

Hard to look beyond Jacques Kallis. In what will probably be his last World Cup, can the world's leading current Test batsman, provide one last hurrah to his remarkable career?

His ability to build an innings, soak up pressure and allow the younger players to play their natural game from the other end will be vital if SA are to chase large totals under lights.

Now that he has a Test double hundred, winning the World Cup is the only remaining crucial missing link in Kallis' impressive CV - he might have a new set of hair, but it remains to be seen whether he has better luck this time around.

Player for the future

Paradoxically, SA's 'new' offering at the World Cup is a 31 year-old. Imran Tahir, born in Lahore, might just provide the layer of mystery and magic hitherto lacking from SA's one-dimensional attack.

Whilst not young, a good World Cup for him could mean a sustained run in the SA side for the next few years; after all, its not as if the Proteas' are bursting at the seams with quality spinners!

Pakistani-born legspinner Imran Tahir finally gets his chance to showcase his skills on the international stage

Prediction

Semi-finalists. Given the significant quality in the squad, anything less than a semi-final berth would be a travesty. However, given the team's history, and the fact that they are less adept at playing in the sub-continent, it appears unlikely that the team will go all the way.

Except them to crash out in the semi-finals in dramatic fashion, setting up an all-sub-continent India/Sri Lanka final!

[JustAnotherFan]

Thanks for the preview. Hope proteas get off to a good start.

[Afridi_Fan]

I really can't see them winning this WC again.

[osee_bhai]

To me on paper as always, they are the best side in the competition and should win.
We all feel that is not going to happen, however this time it seems they have all their bases covered and a pretty fresh squad with some young faces who may not have the chokers tag labeled.
But still, it's South Africa.

[amarali]

Good Start for Africa.....Showing there intentions....Congrats to I.Tahir

[strongman123]

^ They always start strong but "run out of steam" (or choke) in the knock out stages.

[hazen_batti]

They will win only! when they will start as underdogs.

Let me check their current status:
tik
tik
tik
tik
Nope. Sorry

[ads101]

There's no real weakness in the team. Tahir looks decent and the type of spinner that will trouble guys early whilst relatively unknown. But my gut doesn't tell me they're going to win for some reason. They should have thrashed us in UAE but they didn't. They should have thrashed India in South Africa, they were easily the better team in those condition but again they didn't. I don't think mentally they really believe they can do it.

[Wasim_Waqar]

I think they'll get to the knockouts- QF or SF

If they finish top, definitely SF. If 2nd in their group, not so sure. I think SL or India would beat them in a semi-final situation

[ChennaiFan]

This SA team has many star performers. They have greater chance of winning this world cup than any other team I think. They are very consistent over the years. The one team that deserves the world cup more than anyone else is SA.

[hazen_batti]

Originally Posted by ChennaiFan This SA team has many star performers. They have greater chance of winning this world cup than any other team I think. They are very consistent over the years. The one team that deserves the world cup more than anyone else is SA.

Can u point out in which world cup, they had not star performers?
They are apparently always more deserving.

[MC]

Is it me or South Africa are pretty underrated this time around? Underrated is probably not the rigth word, but less hyped up perhaps?

From neutral point of view, I think no team is rated 'red hot' favourite to win this WC.

[Wasim_Waqar]

MC: most people are drooling over India and SL. Time for Pakistan and England to try and change that despite people thinking both matches are walkovers favouring the home sides

[Sledger]

Originally Posted by MC Is it me or South Africa are pretty underrated this time around? Underrated is probably not the rigth word, but less hyped up perhaps?

I was thinking the exact same thing - perhaps it will work in their favour.

They, alongside Australia, look the best 'allround' team to me, good in all three disciplines.

[talha3]

This thread will keep getting bumped again and again...until the semis.

[Atif]

They wont win, but will probably reach the Semis IMO. Their seam attack apart from Steyn is rubbish on flat tracks and that's what will cost them, and yes they do have decent spinners, but the likes of India, Pakistan and Australia know how to combat that.

[Saj]

Forever the bridesmaid aren't they.

Something tells me that they lack that spark, that they lack that number of matchwinners required to win a tournament such as the World Cup.

[NZPakistanFan]

Unfortunately, I have a gut feeling that South Africa will win the cup as well. I think their time has come. They aren't a great team per say, but just seem strong enough across the board to go all the way.

My heart says Pakistan but my head says SA.

[Genghis]

They have as well this time on the crutial ingredients needed on the subcontinent - good spinners. I guess they have had defensive over-filling slow bowlers in the past, but for once they have an attacking legspinner in Imran Tahir. Was very impressed with his debut game last night.

[cricketfan2010]

Originally Posted by NZPakistanFan Unfortunately, I have a gut feeling that South Africa will win the cup as well. I think their time has come. They aren't a great team per say, but just seem strong enough across the board to go all the way. My heart says Pakistan but my head says SA.

Have you guys checked what India did to South africa in ODIs last time they visited India? South Africa have no chance against India. Besides they are chokers. Can't handle pressure.

[Faisalabadimunda]

gut feeling ko choro. It sometimes happens if you think to much.

[cric-chat72]

Saffers will be very tough. Yes they have choked in the past. But every dog has it's day. The problem with predicting world cups is - it's a lottery. Any of Aus, India, SA, SL, Pak, Eng can win. I'm not picking Pakistan because i don't want to jinx them! So - I'm going to Saffers.

[shokz1408]

It's not happening.

[don1990]

chokerssssssssssssssssssssss

[Riff]

Im sorry but England have the most balanced side if they play Yardy

Strauss
Pietersen
Trott
Bell
Collingwood
Prior
Yardy
Swann
Broad
Bresnan
Anderson/Shahzad/Tremlett

Just look at the depth in batting, and thats having 5 upfront bowlers as well

[shokz1408]

Originally Posted by Riff Im sorry but England have the most balanced side if they play Yardy Strauss Pietersen Trott Bell Collingwood Prior Yardy Swann Broad Bresnan Anderson/Tremlett Just look at the depth in batting, and thats having 5 upfront bowlers as well

Dude, they almost lost to Netherlands.

[amarali]

This time around they will remove the blot of CHOKERS from their heads...

[lord boldemort]

This time they might just win it. Probably the best team on form. I'll be backing them to win it if Pakistan get knocked out.

[giri26]

I guess SA has come in with their best ever squad for subcontinent conditions. If they can't win it this time, I don't see them winning world cup at all. Imran Tahir has given them a brilliant variety which they never had before. I think that this guy is going to dominate cricket as a spinner for next few years. Again like Swann, it would have been great if he was few years younger.

[PakPosheeda]

I posted this in another thread but its about the Indian team. Just wanted to get feedback on my assessment by more of you.

Here is my [biased] opinion to the best of my [limited] knowledge:

The most balanced sides in the World cup are:

1. South Africa

followed by

2. Pakistan

followed by

3. Sri Lanka

followed by

4. England

The dark horses are:
Aussies and India

South Africa has everything: Batting, All rounder(s), Pace battery, Spin options. The only thing they lack is powerful hitters down the order.
batting___bowling
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Pakistan has Batting (Not the best openers, but no other team bats as deep as number 8) The best explosive hitters down the order in Afridi and Razzaq at 8. All rounders. One of the best pace battery, THE best spin resources in the world cup in Afridi, Ajmal, Rehman And even Hafeez who's miles better than Bhajji. What they lack in is consistency in fielding and openers.
||||||||||||||||||

Sri Lanka has a good top order, but the lower order is fragile. They have great resources in spin and pace. But they lack in finishers and hard hitters down the order, and any genuine allrounders.
||||||||||||||||

England has Batting (great top 3 or 4, but iffy with 5 and below). Enough bowling resources to pull anything off, specially in Swann. But their pace department is injury struck and not looking great, and they lack in hard hitters down the order.
|||||||||||||||
--------------------------------------------

Australia has strong batting, though other teams have better bats at number 7 than Steven Smith. With Mike Hussey gone, their lower order isn't the strongest. They have one of the best pace attack, BUT one of the worst spin attack, and that might play an important part in the campaign.
||||||||||||||

India has almost perfect batting lineup!!! (almost perfect because even though they have Yusuf for the death overs, they dont have "Afridi PLUS Razzaq") However, they have no bowling compared to the 5 teams above. I doubt their batting alone will take them to the title.
|||||||||||


Whadaya think?

[Jo_Don]

Nope, we're lacking a big hitting all rounder down the order. If Albie Morkel was in instead of Peterson then I would say yes. Botha coming in at 7 means that our tail starts at 5 down. May need to bring Ingram in for Peterson to add depth to the batting.

Oddly enough, I'd say that India would be the one of the most balanced sides IF they bring Sreesanth in for Raina. Them conceding so many runs is not due to them having poor bowlers, but rather poor application, bad fielding and mediocre captaincy. Pakistan off course being the other balanced side if their openers can come good.

[mithun_minhas]

I think SA is the most balanced side in this WC.

Unfortunately they have also been one of the most balanced sides in the last 3 World Cups. That did not win them the ultimate thing

SA are the very definition of under-achievers. I will not bet my money on them if they reach finals. They always find a way to lose.

However, there is a beginning for everything. Who knows, they might win the WC and bury the chokers tag once and for all

[Express Pace]

SA now have a decent spinner, they're complete.

[Wised up]

LOL no way are the 2nd best team in the world. We are underdogs and the dark horse, a title I like.

I agree with Jo Don, S.A are lacking a power hitter. They need a strong finisher.

Australia, i still think are the most balanced side.

India need to drop a batsman to make room for another bowler.

Sri lanka will get stronger with inclusion of Lasith malinga.

England are the dark horse. They will keep surprising.

W.I and NZ stand no chance.

[PakPosheeda]

Originally Posted by Jo_Don Nope, we're lacking a big hitting all rounder down the order. If Albie Morkel was in instead of Peterson then I would say yes. Botha coming in at 7 means that our tail starts at 5 down. May need to bring Ingram in for Peterson to add depth to the batting. Oddly enough, I'd say that India would be the one of the most balanced sides IF they bring Sreesanth in for Raina. Them conceding so many runs is not due to them having poor bowlers, but rather poor application, bad fielding and mediocre captaincy. Pakistan off course being the other balanced side if their openers can come good.

Dude, i've already covered that face that you're lacking a big hitter. But other teams are lacking more, like India is lacking MUCH more! You dont have to be perfect. All you have to do is just outrun the others. And I agree, Ingram or even Miller would've been good options.

And here's to India being one of the most balanced sides

[talha3]

Pakistan are the most balanced side IMO.

South Africa lack genuine allrounders. They also only have 3 quality bowlers in Steyn, Morkel and Tahir.

Botha, Peterson and Kallis will all struggle against good sides. These 3 have to bowl 20 overs.

[md_tariq]

I stopped after I read this. " even Hafeez who's miles better than Bhajji". Then I thought this may be a joke thread.

[PakPosheeda]

Originally Posted by md_tariq I stopped after I read this. " even Hafeez who's miles better than Bhajji". Then I thought this may be a joke thread.

Maybe you should start reading Cricinfo stats then.

I've seen Bhajji getting thrashed at the death more often than Hafeez. And I dont even watch too many India games.

Hafeez is a part time bowler and Bhajji is a specialist, yet they have similar average, strike rate and economy rate in ODIs (and in T20Is too). Forget the fact that Hafeez is an specialist opener and lot better fielder than Bhajji, hence way more valuable as an allrounder. But if Bhajji is a top class spinner, then what does that make Hafeez who has similar stats? Hafeez is our 4th choice spinner!

[Mobashir]

Australia is the most balanced side.
South Africa are overdoing by play 3 speicalis spinners... 20 overs of spin bowling is enough, and they have duminy who can also bowl spin if they need.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka's bowling is well balanced, but they are lackyin one fast bowler...our batting is fine, where as srilank's lower midle order (5-6) are disastrous...
India should play 5 bowlers, 3 fast 2 spinner to have a better balance.
England have a good balance with 7, 8, 9 and 10 pretty capable with tha bat...Just missing one big hitter.

[Afridi_Fan]

Pakistan is the most balanced side in this WC. Fielding/Keeping is so damn over-rated thing.

[kkmix]

I think SA needs a slogger in their team, every team have them now.

[KSaeed]

Originally Posted by md_tariq I stopped after I read this. " even Hafeez who's miles better than Bhajji". Then I thought this may be a joke thread.

Check their stats mate- you'll be pretty surprised that a part-time spinner has similar stats to a specialist spinner.

And to the point of balance, I don't think South Africa are the most balanced side. They lack that bit slogging all-rounder lower down the order in my opinion. In terms of balance Pakistan are at the top hands down:

1.)Good openers who can bat a good RR in the initial powerplay overs
2.) A stable middle order who can milk the middle overs for singles and doubles and keep the scoreboard ticking without losing wickets
3.) An explosive end to the batting line up in Afridi/Umar/Razzaq-
4.) A great battery of pace and some great spin options aswell

[KingKhanWC]

Whadaya think?

Excellent summary.

De Pluessie does look a strong guy and he could give them the power in the lower order. SA are also the best fielding side along with Australia.

They should really win this World Cup but can they handle the pressure of big games?

[md_tariq]

Originally Posted by PakPosheeda Maybe you should start reading Cricinfo stats then. I've seen Bhajji getting thrashed at the death more often than Hafeez. And I dont even watch too many India games. Hafeez is a part time bowler and Bhajji is a specialist, yet they have similar average, strike rate and economy rate in ODIs (and in T20Is too). Forget the fact that Hafeez is an specialist opener and lot better fielder than Bhajji, hence way more valuable as an allrounder. But if Bhajji is a top class spinner, then what does that make Hafeez who has similar stats? Hafeez is our 4th choice spinner!

Stats will not show everything if that is the case, Irfan Pathan has better batting average than Hafeez, does that mean Irfan Pathan is a better batsman than Hafeez or most of the Bangladesh batsmen are better than Hafeez as they have better batting stats compared to Hafeez in ODI.

Bajji overall one of the top bowlers in the world, check ICC ranking which takes the consistancy and everything in account. Also he played lot of matches on flat wickets where 300+ is very common which inflated (deflated ) the average.

[PakPosheeda]

Originally Posted by md_tariq Stats will not show everything if that is the case, Irfan Pathan has better batting average than Hafeez, does that mean Irfan Pathan is a better batsman than Hafeez or most of the Bangladesh batsmen are better than Hafeez as they have better batting stats compared to Hafeez in ODI. Bajji overall one of the top bowlers in the world, check ICC ranking which takes the consistancy and everything in account. Also he played lot of matches on flat wickets where 300+ is very common which inflated (deflated ) the average.

If India is not ideal place for a spinner then no place is.
And yes, if A averages better than B with that bat, that does mean A is more consistent, unless A has lots of not outs and not enough runs.

What consistency does Bhajji have over Hafeez when both have similar average, economy and strike rate? The only difference is Bhajji is the best they got while Hafeez doesn't bowl as much as we have better spinners. Consistency...haha Bhajji averages around 70 against Pak.

[md_tariq]

Originally Posted by KSaeed Check their stats mate- you'll be pretty surprised that a part-time spinner has similar stats to a specialist spinner. And to the point of balance, I don't think South Africa are the most balanced side. They lack that bit slogging all-rounder lower down the order in my opinion. In terms of balance Pakistan are at the top hands down: 1.)Good openers who can bat a good RR in the initial powerplay overs 2.) A stable middle order who can milk the middle overs for singles and doubles and keep the scoreboard ticking without losing wickets 3.) An explosive end to the batting line up in Afridi/Umar/Razzaq- 4.) A great battery of pace and some great spin options aswell

Pakistan is the most balanced team? Dude I support pakistan but I would not make this statement.

Batting:
------------
Opening / top order - fragile
Middle Order - Youniz/Misbah, nothing great. they waste balls before they get going. when it works everything will look fine but when they fail, it would back fire big time.
lower order - very unreliable. Afridi and Razzaq are very inconsistant.
tail - not bad.

Fielding/ Wicket Keeping
------------------------------

One of the worst fielding teams in the tournament. WK, better we dont want to talk about it.

Bowling:
-----------
Opening - Shoib and Razzaq : One is known for having fitness struggle. especialy this is a very long tournament, we never know when is he going to break down. Hope he does not. Razzaq is a bits and piece player, lost his pace a lot, not as reliable as he used to be 4 or 5 yrs ago.

1st change bowlers - Gul and Riaz, again very inconsistant. they have skills though.

Spinners: Afridi/Hafeez/Ajmal, reasonably good. But I thi they would struggle if the pitch is not slow and dry. meaning, if they had to play on greasy surface, they would struggle to turn or get wickets.

So you are calling this team the most balanced team. Yep we beat Srilanka other day who is one of the favourites of this tournment. But one thing you need to keep in your mind that everything went on well that day. most of the inconsistant players performed on that day (except Akmal and Gul). basically everything clicked on that day including toss. Otherwise we would have struggled, that is my assessment which maybe harsh. Its not going to change anything. that is my assessment.

[nabeel_1990]

Originally Posted by md_tariq Pakistan is the most balanced team? Dude I support pakistan but I would not make this statement. Batting: ------------ Opening / top order - fragile Middle Order - Youniz/Misbah, nothing great. they waste balls before they get going. when it works everything will look fine but when they fail, it would back fire big time. lower order - very unreliable. Afridi and Razzaq are very inconsistant. tail - not bad. Fielding/ Wicket Keeping ------------------------------ One of the worst fielding teams in the tournament. WK, better we dont want to talk about it. Bowling: ----------- Opening - Shoib and Razzaq : One is known for having fitness struggle. especialy this is a very long tournament, we never know when is he going to break down. Hope he does not. Razzaq is a bits and piece player, lost his pace a lot, not as reliable as he used to be 4 or 5 yrs ago. 1st change bowlers - Gul and Riaz, again very inconsistant. they have skills though. Spinners: Afridi/Hafeez/Ajmal, reasonably good. But I thi they would struggle if the pitch is not slow and dry. meaning, if they had to play on greasy surface, they would struggle to turn or get wickets. So you are calling this team the most balanced team. Yep we beat Srilanka other day who is one of the favourites of this tournment. But one thing you need to keep in your mind that everything went on well that day. most of the inconsistant players performed on that day (except Akmal and Gul). basically everything clicked on that day including toss. Otherwise we would have struggled, that is my assessment which maybe harsh. Its not going to change anything. that is my assessment.

for a pak fan, you do seem to be very negative

[Yellow Submarine]

Of course they are.

[md_tariq]

Originally Posted by nabeel_1990 for a pak fan, you do seem to be very negative

because I was responding to a guy who says we have the MOST balanced team. anyway does it really matter whether I am a pak fan or not. will that change any of the points that I mentioned? should I not talk about negatives and support the team sametime?

[nsaviguru]

I agree one 100% with you South Africa and Pakistan are huge favorites specialty after the first couple of weeks in this world cup. India are the real dark horses in this world cup, judging by the first couple of games this is Pakistan's world cup to lose. For India it is a different story we need to fight hard and play above our ability to have any chance at upsetting one of contenders. Excellent thread/post.

[md_tariq]

Originally Posted by nsaviguru I agree one 100% with you South Africa and Pakistan are huge favorites specialty after the first couple of weeks in this world cup. India are the real dark horses in this world cup, judging by the first couple of games this is Pakistan's world cup to lose. For India it is a different story we need to fight hard and play above our ability to have any chance at upsetting one of contenders. Excellent thread/post.

by reading your signature and then your post, looks like sarcasm written all over the post.

[nsaviguru]

Originally Posted by md_tariq by reading your signature and then your post, looks like sarcasm written all over the post.

My signature is only for Ausmain Ginai so dont take it seriously. As far as my posts are concern how you view it is up to you.

[PakPosheeda]

Originally Posted by md_tariq because I was responding to a guy who says we have the MOST balanced team. anyway does it really matter whether I am a pak fan or not. will that change any of the points that I mentioned? should I not talk about negatives and support the team sametime?

I have criticized every team's weakness but also acknowledged their strengths. According to your post, Pak team only has weaknesses. Its hard to take you seriously in that case.

[md_tariq]

Originally Posted by PakPosheeda I have criticized every team's weakness but also acknowledged their strengths. According to your post, Pak team only has weaknesses. Its hard to take you seriously in that case.

I did not write it to impress you nor do I want you to take me seriously. I just wanted to justify my claim that Pakistan does not have balanced team. But def we have a dangerous team and one of the top 5 teams which I mentioned in other threads as well.

[amarali]

Hashim Amla back on Track!

[rhussain33]

I have a feeling South Africa are going all the way to the Finals this time no doubt...

Like Pakistan, they have all avenues covered,

Solid Openers... Hashim, Graham Smith
Solid Middle order & Finishers... Kallis, Devlliers, Duminy, De Plesis, Van Wyk,
Solid Spin attack now... Imran Tahir (legspin), Robbie, Botha
Solid Pace Attack... Steyn, Morkel, Kallis


Not so Solid Openers... Shehzad, Hafeez, Kamran
Solid Middle order & Finishers... Younis, Umar Akmal, Misbah, Razzaq, Afridi
Solid Spin attack ... Afridi (legspin), Rehman,(LA) Ajmal (RA)
Decent Pace Attack... Akhtar, Gul, Wahab

[Faisalabadimunda]

Originally Posted by rhussain33 I have a feeling South Africa are going all the way to the Finals this time no doubt... Like Pakistan, they have all avenues covered, Solid Openers... Hashim, Graham Smith Solid Middle order & Finishers... Kallis, Devlliers, Duminy, De Plesis, Van Wyk, Solid Spin attack now... Imran Tahir (legspin), Robbie, Botha Solid Pace Attack... Steyn, Morkel, Kallis Not so Solid Openers... Shehzad, Hafeez, Kamran Solid Middle order & Finishers... Younis, Umar Akmal, Misbah, Razzaq, Afridi Solid Spin attack ... Afridi (legspin), Rehman,(LA) Ajmal (RA) Decent Pace Attack... Akhtar, Gul, Wahab

Ok, who do you feel they will play in the final/s

[Noman]

Sa will win.. I want Pakistsan..But I feel 99% Sa will win because there have god the best toporder, bowling and fielding.. I do think there do not need a finisher because there strong top order and pitches in Asia are flat... Smith just need to improve his play vs spin and Sa will win the world cup..

[AZ]

they have added a new dimension to their attack with Imran Tahir, he may well be the missing piece in the puzzle.

a formidable team, let's see how they go.

it has usually been the occasion, and not the team against them, that gets them knocked out of such competitions.

[*sallu*]

On paper, South Africa and Sri Lanka are the most complete teams.

South Africa more so than Sri Lanka.

IF both don't mess up or one of their oppoitions have a stunning knock out match, they'll be playing the final.

Based on what I've seen in the world cup
Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa look to be the main title contenders

[Amjid Javed]

S.A always find a way to mess things up, i dont think this world cup will be any different.

[WithLoveFromCanada]

CHOKING BUMP

for those supporting saffas.

[enigmatic_stani]

Its very rarely that a team will win the world cup without losing a single game on the way. Yes today was a hiccup but they are still the most balanced team in the competition and still one of the strongest contenders.

[asad100101]

yes, it is highly unlikely they choke twice so I just wish that Pakistan avoid playing either South Africa or India in the quater.

[Robert]

Their choketastic performance against England will prey on their minds.

[sam]

Originally Posted by asad100101 yes, it is highly unlikely they choke twice so I just wish that Pakistan avoid playing either South Africa or India in the quater.

Yeah. Looks like they've got the choke out of the way.

Doesn't seem too good for the other teams.

[JustAnotherFan]

Originally Posted by Robert Their choketastic performance against England will prey on their minds.

Naah, they have a team psychologist to handle things.

[JibranAnsari]

Hope they reach the final, they are so good.

[iHammad]

Why are people counting SA out? Just because they lost to England in a low scoring match, doesn't mean they can't win 3 KO matches in a row to win the WC. They have a top side.

[Rizz Khan]

Chokers Never WIN!

[Schickelgruber]

Originally Posted by Schickelgruber Nope no won for SA. I know names of some SA players who will flop.

Amla

Kallis

Smith

Morkel

Duminy

Peterson

[amarali]

will have to focus on batting

[zainkhan]

Who knows , there is some mess going on with the pitches at start these pitches seemed to be high scoring now turned down , we have seen many.What happend???????????

[amarali]

Originally Posted by zainkhan Who knows , there is some mess going on with the pitches at start these pitches seemed to be high scoring now turned down , we have seen many.What happend???????????

Unpredictable will be the word used for these pitches!Spinners role more enhanced......while batting first will always be a tough ask as team will not be sure whether how much score will be enough....

[QazzarFan]

SA is overhyped choke machine....they will choke in SF

I have a feeling, England will win this WC....yes hard to believe and No one expects it...but you never know with England.......How many British Pakistanis will celebrate?

[osee_bhai]

With seamers getting nothing on yday's pitch and only 171 to chase, there's no other way than to say they choked yesterday.

[amarali]

Tough contenders for sure!

[amarali]

Originally Posted by sam *choke* *choke* *choke*

They will definitely find positives from the loss as well as they will not be over cofident in forth coming matches.....the bowling options with smith is very vast and the way he is utilising the bowlers is praisable......and yes offcourse they have completed the quota of their choking so no more choke next time.....Still hot favourites........i wish Pakistan does not face the likes of South Africa in the Quarter Finals....in that case it will be tough for both the teams.....boom boom can rip apart their batting....while Dell steyn can create hurdles for our batsmen......so i really wish they never meet before the great finale.....let smith and company thrash Aussies and Pakistan thrash West Indies in the Quarter final stage....

[PerfectionPersonified]

SA is a loser i would say , if anyone has a chance i.e England, they have made every game they played exciting