Mumbai: Ever since the Proteas jumped into the World Cup pool, they made others insecured. It is unfortunate that despite having a solid team for two decades, they could not win. But there is one team they’ve never lost to – Team India. The Men in Blue won ICC World Cup 2011 but even that year, they could not overcome the South Africans.
Here are five reasons why Mahendra Singh Dhoni and company can probably never beat South Africa.
Pyschological edge: Much like how Pakistan could never beat India in the tournament, the story has been same for India against South Africa. In 1992, the Proteas beat the Mohammad Azharuddin-led side by six wickets at Adelaide Oval. In 1999, Hansie Cronje’s team – their best World Cup combination till date – beat the Indians at Brighton by four wickets. Even at home conditions (Nagpur, 2011), the Indians could not spin a twist in the tale and lost by three wickets.
Bowlers – Donald to Steyn: If South Africa had an Allan Donald then, now they have Dale Steyn who also happens to be the best in the business at present. On the other hand, all that India have is Umesh Yadav who is a tad bit faster than the rest. Mohamamd Shami can bowl a bouncer or two but compared to Morne Morkel – he is nowhere near.
(Photo: AFP)
No Sachin Tendulkar: No opponent can breathe easy if they have to bowl to Sachin Tendulkar. Coincidentally, the Master Blaster’s highest ODI score (200 not out) is also against them. Even in 2011, he set the stage scoring a brilliant hundred (111 off 101) with eight fours and three sixes.
(Photo: AP)
The AB factor: If you’ve a man who scored the fastest ODI hundred not even a month back, as your opponent, shivers are ought to run down your spine. AB de Villiers will try his best not to let the Cup slip. According to former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten, only he can complete late Hansie Cronje’s dream.
(Photo: AP)
Conditions: The pitches in Australia and South Africa are very similar. When India toured South Africa in 2013, it took Rohit Sharma close to 20 balls to understand Dale Steyn in the first ODI at Johannesburg. Suresh Raina played the short ball well against Pakistan. Even Shami tricked Younis Khan with a bouncer but you don’t do that to the ones who’ve grown up being hit on the helmet.
(Photo: AP)
Match date: February 22, 2015
Venue: Melbourne
Time: 9 am (IST)
