Destiny in our own hands
0By Rahul Patil
Professional sport is about making your opponent do things that make them uncomfortable as much as it is about playing to your own strengths. If a boxer has tremendous stamina but a weak chin, then there is no point trying to take the bout to 12 rounds.
Go for the knockout at the first opportunity.
Before the Pune match South Africa had batted first in four of their six matches and put-up scores of 428, 311, 399, and 382. On the two other occasions that they had chased totals they lost to Netherlands and were nine wickets down when they won against Pakistan.
It was therefore surprising to see Tom Latham elect to field first on a great batting wicket in Pune. Dew was one of the reasons Latham gave at the toss, but it played right into South Africa’s hands.
Delighted at the outcome of the toss South Africa once again used their tried and tested blueprint for success. Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen to lay the foundation for the first 2/3rds of the innings and Markram, Miller and Klassen to build the skyscrapers in the last 1/3rd.
Since announcing that he will quit ODI cricket at the end of this World Cup, Quinton De Kock is batting like a man possessed. The massive beauty spot that he currently has on his bat grew even bigger in Pune. Making the most of his luck (he was dropped on 12 by Glenn Phillips) he bought up century number four in this World Cup. Four centuries in 7 matches is sensational stuff. Giving him company in their 200 run partnership was ‘Classy Rassie’ who himself scored his second ton of this World Cup. The trio of Miller, Klassen and Markram then looted 67 of the last 5 overs and took South Africa to a massive 357 for 4 from their 50 overs.
New Zealand were more disciplined with the ball in Pune than they were in the game against Australia but although they managed to keep the scoring in check at the start, their inability to pick up wickets between the 9th and 40th over meant that they were always going to be chasing a massive total. Matt Henry leaving the field midway through his 6th over after feeling tightness in his right hamstring further compounded their problems. It meant that Jimmy Neesham had to bowl at the death and the proteas took full toll. Trent Boult was the only one who displayed some sort of control and finished with 1 for 49 of his 10 overs.
Marco Jansen has been picking up wickets with the new ball in every power play of this World Cup. The extra bounce he generates with his 2.06 mtr height accounted for both Devon Conway & Rachin Ravindra. The procession of wickets continued with only Glenn Phillips getting past 50. Jimmy Neesham came to bat at #9 due to being hit on his wrist while bowling but by then the writing was on the wall. In the end the blackcaps were dismissed for 167 in the 36th over giving South Africa a massive win by 190 runs in front of almost 32000 passionate fans.
With the win South Africa moved back to the top of the table only for India to snatch it back the next day after completing a total demolition of Sri Lanka. The match between India and South Africa should finally settle the battle for the top spot. New Zealand on the other hand need to find a way to get out of their 3-match losing streak. They next face Pakistan in Bengaluru and injuries will force them to make a few changes. Unfortunately, Matt Henry’s World Cup is now over, and Kyle Jamieson has been flown in as his replacement. Williamson’s thumb, Mark Chapman’s calf, Lockie Ferguson’s Achillies, and Jimmy Neesham’s wrist are all being monitored and hopefully the services of batting coach Luke Ronchi and fielding coach James Foster will not be required as substitute fielders in case of any further injuries.
The good news is that at the business end of the tournament New Zealand’s destiny is still in their own hands. Win the next two and they will go through to the semis comfortably. Lose the next one…. Well, that’s when the calculators will be working overtime to see who goes through. A bit like the counting of the special votes back home.
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