The World Cup is yet to warm up but some results have shown the likelihood of a change in the trend. Ireland’s win over the West Indies, New Zealand thrashing England and Pakistan being swept away by the West Indies have created an excitement among the fans. Nothing can be taken for granted and Tim Southee, with that astonishing spell, demonstrated that bowlers have a place in this brand of cricket.
I feel bowlers would’ve a big say in the India-South Africa match too. The teams are packed with quality batsmen on either side and much would depend on how the bowlers accept the challenge. The batsmen, especially the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, stand out in both the camps and the onus rests with the bowlers, like Dale Steyn and Mohammad Shami, to take charge.
India played very well against Pakistan. But let us not forget that Pakistan is a side that has lost direction. They’ve played mediocre cricket in the two matches so far. Their surrender to the West Indies was unbelievable. India’s victory over Pakistan has obviously given MS Dhoni’s team a great boost ahead of the tough encounter against South Africa. India was under pressure to beat Pakistan and everything worked in their favour, including the poor form that Pakistan appears to have carried to the World Cup.
You don’t need rocket science to accept South Africa’s position in world cricket. They are much stronger opponents than Pakistan and have a sound combination, excelling in batting and bowing. The South Africans are also an exceptional lot in the field and command the respect of the rest of the world. What if they have never won the World Cup in six attemptsIJ South Africa are a team capable of beating the best.
AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis form a match-winning trio with Quinton de Kock and Jean-Paul Duminy adding to the depth. Then South Africa rely on their pace and it suits the side because India are good against spin. South Africa may well go in with four fast bowlers because I suspect the Melbourne pitch may not assist the slow bowlers much. I expect a high-scoring match.
I am happy for Shikhar Dhawan. He is critical to Indian batting and now is the time for him to step up and take control. He would encounter a different bowling attack from Pakistan and that is going to test his skills. This is a far more experienced opponent and I am sure Virat and Ajinkya Rahane would guide the team against the quality South African attack. Dhoni can choose this stage too to come up with a defining innings, much-needed by the team.
It is the bowling department that must improve without losing time. Umesh Yadav looks good off and on but Mohammad Shami can be India’s trump card in this tournament. He bowled in the right areas against Pakistan and must repeat the performance against South Africa. I know Dhoni would not like to disturb the winning combination and I would back him to retain the eleven that beat Pakistan.