SOUTH Africa head into their final ICC World Twenty20 super eight match today knowing their fate in the tournament lies in the hands of others.
There are two Group F matches scheduled for the Premadasa Stadium today. The first is between Australia and Pakistan and the other has South Africa up against India.
A Pakistan victory over Australia would signal the end of the Proteas' campaign without them bowling a ball.
So there is no guessing who AB de Villiers and his team will be rooting for this afternoon. If the Australians win a third consecutive match in this stage, the South Africans know a convincing victory over India help them slip into the semifinals on net run rate.
But South Africa have played poor cricket in their defeats by Pakistan and Australia. They have been off the boil and have looked lethargic. They will be hoping for an opportunity to give their fans something to cheer about against India.
To do that the top order will need to sharpen up in the first six overs. SA have lost too many wickets in that area and, as a result, have been on the back foot for the remainder of their matches.
Like most supporters, coach Gary Kirsten is concerned about the lack of runs among his top order players.
"If something doesn't click it is always a cause for concern, but you've got to trust players and you've got to back them and believe in them," said Kirsten yesterday. "I think we've got enough skill in our line-up. We've got seven batsmen who have shown that they are capable of playing quality innings in big games. We've got to believe in those guys."
Proteas' fate hangs by a thread
SOUTH Africa head into their final ICC World Twenty20 super eight match today knowing their fate in the tournament lies in the hands of others.
There are two Group F matches scheduled for the Premadasa Stadium today. The first is between Australia and Pakistan and the other has South Africa up against India.
A Pakistan victory over Australia would signal the end of the Proteas' campaign without them bowling a ball.
So there is no guessing who AB de Villiers and his team will be rooting for this afternoon. If the Australians win a third consecutive match in this stage, the South Africans know a convincing victory over India help them slip into the semifinals on net run rate.
But South Africa have played poor cricket in their defeats by Pakistan and Australia. They have been off the boil and have looked lethargic. They will be hoping for an opportunity to give their fans something to cheer about against India.
To do that the top order will need to sharpen up in the first six overs. SA have lost too many wickets in that area and, as a result, have been on the back foot for the remainder of their matches.
Like most supporters, coach Gary Kirsten is concerned about the lack of runs among his top order players.
"If something doesn't click it is always a cause for concern, but you've got to trust players and you've got to back them and believe in them," said Kirsten yesterday. "I think we've got enough skill in our line-up. We've got seven batsmen who have shown that they are capable of playing quality innings in big games. We've got to believe in those guys."