Tue, 15 Mar 2011 - South Africa vs Ireland, World Cup 2011, 34th match Group B - Preview

When South Africa couldn’t win the close game against England, inauspicious tag of chokers would have dominated their minds till their game in Nagpur.

There was almost dead and out with Sachin and Sehwag literally shredding them to all parts of Nagpur but inspired spell from Dale Steyn got them back into the game by restricting India to 296 runs. Their chase had so many swings with either team giving nothing away and entered the 50th over with 13 runs needed to win. Robin Peterson’s blitz in the end sealed the close fought game for the Proteas which should certainly boost South Africa to come out of that chokers cocoon.

The current African squad on paper looks a champion material and they would want to keep the winning momentum going. For sure, the side would like to go with full strength against Ireland to score a comprehensive win and make a strong statement to the rest of the contenders as well.

Among the Associate Nations, Ireland is only team top teams are wary of largely due to their approach and attitude towards the game. They look a side which isn’t here to make number but very much serious to win cricket games no matter who they are playing against.

Their fan base is swelling by number after every game they played and showed that team has the arsenal to give any opposition run for their money.

All said and done, it will be South Africa with all the experience and class in the world they posses which will start as favourite but Ireland will surely will give more than 100% to fight it out against strong Proteas side.

South Africa

Among the top order batsmen, it is the form of Graeme Smith, who has looked lackluster and struggling to time the ball that will be worrisome for the team management.

Jacques Kallis, who ended his run drought with a half century against India, Hashim Amla, AB Devillers and JP Dumminy are in a terrific form and would like to continue on that against Ireland.

What would be heartening for the team was the way how lower order batsmen performed during India game keeping the cool in the end to help their side to romp him with a victory.

Fast bowlers who got some early stick from Sachin and company came back with a bang to display their bowling prowess on a flat Nagpur deck.

Johan Botha did a nice holding up job against strong Indian batting lineup and with Imran Tahir yet to recover he will have to shoulder the burden of spin department with Peterson and Faf De Plessis there to support him.

Squad

Graeme Smith (c), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers (wk), Jean-Paul Dumminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk (wk), Coach: Corne Van Zyl

Ireland

The best batting side among the Associate Nations hasn’t fired except for that game against England but they will be determined to put up a decent show against what is arguably the best bowling line up in the world.

Young Paul Stirling is yet to do justice to his immense talent while senior guys William Porterfield, Nail O’brein and Ed Joyce have looked good but lacked consistency and trio will have to address that if their side is give a good show against South Africa.

Kevin O’brein would be keen that he doesn’t become one innings wonder and want to score runs in the Tuesday game.

Tall fast bowler Boyd Rankin bowled his heart out against West Indies and would be itching to repeat the performance as Ireland will be hoping experienced Trent Johnston is fit the Eden Gardens tie.

With South African’s susceptibility against left arm spin well known over the years, impressive young spinner George Dockrell will be keen to make an impact and add to every growing credentials as one of the most promising young spinners going around.

Squad:

William Porterfield (Capt), Albert Vander Merwe, Alex Cusack, Ed Joyce, George Dockrell, Kevin O’ Brien, Boyd Rankin, John Mooney, Paul Stirling, Trent Johnston, Andre Botha, Andrew White, Nigel Jones, Gary Wilson, Niall O’Brien, Coach: Phil Simmons