The Perennial Underperformers
The South African Team reminds me of that perennial underperformer, who was a brilliant student, knew all the answers, and was profoundly disciplined, but never came first in class. Since 1992 I have been following the South African Team and have been enamoured by their cricketing skill, however, world cup after world cup, the formidable springboks have turned chicken when it mattered. And 2023, was no different.
A Timid Batting Display
A batting powerhouse of a team surprisingly succumbed to a bit of seam and swing. I expected a lot from Quinton, Van der Dussen, Markram, Klassen and Miller to take South Africa past the Aussies. Just look at these names, these are big players, who can pulverise any attack in the world ( leaving the Indian attack aside ). Mitch Starc and Hazelwood were good in overcast conditions at the Eden Gardens, but the Proteas made heavy weather of them. Bavuma has been a waste ( I feel sorry for Reeza Hendricks ) and left with a duck against his name. The pressure was on, Quinton perished and so did Markram and Dussen. More of their undoing rather than getting out to terrific deliveries.
Miller Holds Fort
Klassen and Miller steadied the innings and it so appeared that they would ensure a formidable total. Klassen missed a simple off-spinner from Travis Head ( can you believe it ). Was it a lapse of concentration or loose cricket, Klassen would know. But that one wicket at an extremely crucial juncture was a big blow and the Springboks never recovered. Miller continued to fight on ( what a warrior he has been ), got a ton but then departed. The Aussies just did everything right and with 213 to get, it was not much of a task.
The Exceptional Aussie Fielding
I have to mention the Australian ground fielding. It was exceptional, to say the least. David Warner at 37 years, was brilliant. The fielding on display was by far the best in the World Cup so far. Nothing went beyond the 30-yard circle in the power play which added tremendous pressure on South Africa. The Aussies put their bodies on the line, saved everything possible and made the South Africans struggle for every run. They held all their catches too. The one which Cummins took to dismiss Quinton and the one cupped by Warner to dismiss Markaram, were truly extraordinary.
The Proteas Fight Hard But Australia Hang On
With a small total to chase, Travis Head and David Warner gave a rollicking start to the Aussies and though Warner and Marsh left in quick succession, Head continued to score quickly. The South Africans fought back and gave themselves a glimmer of hope. Maharaj, Shamsi and the young Gerald Coetzee gave it their all to turn the match. However, it was not to be. South Africa missed several chances which they should have taken and let Australia off the hook. The Aussies eventually had gone far ahead and South Africa were playing catch up most of the time. In the end, Pat Cummins and Mitch Starc played sensibly and took their team home.
The Famous Aussie Spirit : Hard As Nails
The Australians just know how to play the big games. Their resilience and tenacity is exemplary and their temperament in crunch situations is unflinching. Kudos to the training they get. Though I had not given Australia a chance in this World Cup, I am prepared to eat my own words. They thoroughly deserve to be in the finals after their 8th consecutive win. The Aussies are tough and battle hardened and have reached this far with a lot of grind.
My heart goes out to the South Africans. They have produced great players. They have entertained us with their skill and excellence, but along the way they have given heartbreaks too and have flattered to deceive. I hope their temperament improves and one day they hold some silverware.
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