ICC Champions Trophy: South Africa, the perennial underachievers
South Africa cricket team, currently the No 1 ODI team in the world, have stumbled in major tournaments and will be hoping to break a 19-year trophy jinx at the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
South Africa and ICC tournament results a tale of tragedy, disbelief and misfortune. Any mention of South Africa’s performances in ICC events and the word ‘choke’ comes into mind.
Since their readmission to international cricket in 1992, the Proteas have found ways to get eliminated from a tournament in bizarre circumstances.
Champions Trophy track record
Matches: 21; Wins: 11; Losses: 9, Tie: 1
Heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England, South Africa are again the favourites, placed in Group B with India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Having been in good form, South Africa will be looking to end a 19-year hoodoo in ICC tournaments and clinch a much-awaited trophy.
Players to watch out
South Africa have a bunch of match-winners who can change the course of the match. Skipper AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis all have class and experience. There are other players too who provide South Africa the X-factor.
Kagiso Rabada: Pace in excess of 145 kph, pin-point accuracy and deadly swing; at 21, Kagiso Rabada has taken world cricket by storm. In 34 games, he has 57 wickets and has been in magnificent form. English conditions suit Rabada’s qualities and his burst up front with the new ball will be key to South Africa’s performances.
Chris Morris: Morris’ control and accuracy in the death overs makes him a vital member. However, his X-factor lies in his role of a ‘finisher’ as a batsman. In the ODI series against England in early 2016, he got South Africa over the line with explosive knocks down the order. His contribution in the death overs will be crucial if South Africa are to make an impact.
Imran Tahir:The 38-year-old leg-spinner has shown that old is gold. In the past one year, he has been South Africa’s key bowler, picking 35 wickets in 2016/17. Looking at the success of England leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the series against Ireland -- he took six wickets in two games – Tahir’s inclusion makes South Africa’s bowling look complete.
Squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Chris Morris, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Imran Tahir, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj.
