South Africa will look to shed their big tournament 'chokers' tag that has haunted them for long as they go into the first semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy against strong contenders England here tomorrow in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
For South Africa, their only ICC trophy came way back in 1998 when they won the inaugural edition of the Champions Trophy, then known as ICC Knock-Out Trophy, in Bangladesh.
Thereafter, the Proteas failed to advance beyond the semifinal stages of major tournaments despite having strong outfits. But come Wednesday, the AB de Villiers-led side would be hoping to turn the tide.
South Africa witnessed a mixed outing in the group stage of the tournament. They lost their opening game to India before getting the better of Pakistan, while their last game against the West Indies ended in a tie. However, South Africa got a shot in the arm in their last game when pace spearhead Dale Steyn returned to the playing XI after missing the opening two group encounters due to a side strain.
And soon after returning Steyn showed why he is the world's numero uno pacer by emerging as the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with figures of two for 33 against the West Indies.
Apart from Steyn, South Africa also have the likes of medium-pacer Ryan Mclaren, who was destructive against Pakistan with a four-wicket haul, Chris Morris, lonwabo Tsotsobe and left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, which makes it a potent bowling outfit.
On the batting front, Hashim Amla's form up the order remains crucial for South Africa as he would be expected to play the sheet-anchor's role. Colin Ingram's strokeful 83-ball 73 against the West Indies was a welcome value addition for the Proteas, while the likes of de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, J P Duminy and David Miller are the game changers who can cash in on a solid start.
England, on the other hand, made their way to the semifinals by eking out a 10-run victory over New Zealand in a must-win rain-hit group match. Backed by a boisterous home crowd, England, one of the strong contenders for the trophy, will have a clear edge over South Africa in Wednesday's encounter.
With scores of 269 and 293 in their last two games, England's batting looks in good touch. England's top-order comprising captain Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, young Joe Root and Ravi Bopara all are among runs and it won't be a surprise to see the hosts piling up a big score in conditions which are familiar to them.
Bowling remains a concern for England. The English bowling attack, termed as the second best in the competition after Pakistan, came a cropper against Sri lanka.
Captain Cook would be hoping for a much-improved performance from his bowlers against the Proteas.
Cook disregards SA's chokers tag
England captain Alastair Cook addressed the media on the eve of the first semifinal against South Africa. He spoke about the stress of captaincy, pressure of a knock-out game and key players on the SA camp. Excerpts
On the Proteas being termed chokers
It's another day tomorrow, it's another game, and what's gone on in the past has no relevance to tomorrow. I think they've done all right to be honest. It's a massive game for both sides. We've got the opportunity to go into the final of an ICC competition, and it's such an exciting place for a player to be.
On pressure from the home crowd
Did you say crowd pressureIJ I don't think we have amazing sport at home. We're used to playing in front of these big crowds, and we wouldn't swap the support we've had in this tournament or the support we get at home or abroad to anyone.
On Amla’s liking for England bowlers
He's a massive player for them, isn't heIJ Obviously we've seen that firsthand last year here in the ODIs and the Test match here, as well. We know he's a fantastic player, but as all players are vulnerable early, we have to try and strike early, and if he gets in it's a danger for us. Certainly a key man, but if we can get him out, that does put pressure on other players in their setup.
And Dale Steyn
Yeah, again, you've picked out two guys in Amla and Steyn for them, as well, one leader of the batters and one leader of the bowlers. He's obviously a good bowler. It's a bit like how we played Malinga, how we play Dale Steyn. It's crucial to building a big total. Obviously with the new ball, the threat of striking early against us is obviously a danger, and it's how we play him, and we played him quite well in the past and we have to do that again tomorrow.
On Graeme Swann's fitness
We haven't ruled him out totally yet for this game. We're going to have to see how he trains today and see how he pulls up tomorrow. There's one thing for certain, he won't be risked. We might be very cautious with him because it seems very sensible.
On ODI captaincy so far
Well, I won't lie to you, I didn't really enjoy Cardiff, the last 10 overs of that. That was quite a stressful or tense time I think I've had since I've been captain. In terms of a must win game, I'm sure that'll be heightened again tomorrow. But yeah, I'm really enjoying it. I think it's been a really good tournament for that, and there have been no easy games. You have to be on your mettle straightaway, and I think that all countries have that, and I have really enjoyed that, and hopefully we can go again.