To choke, or not to choke? That is the question for perennial underachievers South Africa. Their World Cup history is littered with tales of campaigns that peaked too early, defeats snatched from the jaws of victory and of course a failure to understand Duckworth Lewis. Will it be different this time?
Strengths
Hashim Amla is arguably the world’s top ODI batsman at present and loves batting on the sub-continent. When you add Smith, Kallis, De Villiers and Duminy to the mix, the Proteas have a formidable batting line-up. Dale Steyn is likely to rival Zaheer Khan as the outstanding quick on show and Morne Morkel and Tsotsobe are pretty good back-up. On paper at least, South Africa look one of the favourites.
Weaknesses
Other than the 'C' word, South Africa are seriously lacking in the spin department unless the recently qualified Imran Tahir (if England can adopt players, why can’t South Africa) can hit the ground running.
Main man
As well as plundering runs like a modern day ODI version of Bradman in the last 12 months, Hashim Amla is simply a joy to behold at the crease. Our tip to be the tournament’s leading run scorer.
Look out for…
The next incredible episode in South Africa’s World Cup tale of woe, or will it be different this time?
Prediction
2ndin the group and then toppled in the quarter-final by Shahid Afridi’s cornered tigers.
Where next?
World Cup Team previews: Part 1 - India: Glory or effigies?
Our XI to shine at the World Cup
Get your money on Hashim Amla now...
What has happened to JP Duminy?
Jacques Kallis: Cricket's Thomas More - 'A man for all seasons'
Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes featuring amongst others Hashim Amla and Paul Harris
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