India take on in-form South Africa in the 2nd semi-final of the ICC World T20 on April 4. The Proteas finished second in Group 1 after Sri Lanka won the tie against the Kiwis and in turn leapfrogged them on the net run rate.
India take on in-form South Africa in the 2nd semi-final of the ICC World T20 on April 4. The Proteas finished second in Group 1 after Sri Lanka won the tie against the Kiwis and in turn leapfrogged them on the net run rate. India on the other hand, remained unbeaten in their group and now are ‘favourites’ for the Championship. But never underestimate the South Africans as we take a look at the players who can really cause an upstage:
Dale Steyn
Well, South Africa are ready to unleash the ‘Steyn Gun’ on the Indians in Bangladesh as well. After menacing them back home in South Africa, Dale Steyn will be looking to pile more misery on the Indians by unleashing a spell of fast bowling. If Indians are looking for a real ‘test’, well the semis provide a perfect opportunity to do so.
AB de Villiers
One of South Africa’s best batsman, AB de Villiers will be familiar with the Indian bowling due to the former’s IPL connections. de Villiers is a hard nut to crack once he settles in the crease and if the Indian spinners do not send him early, the Men In Blue are in for a tough night.
JP Duminy
Another of South Africa’s devastating batsman, JP Duminy can be relied upon in the middle overs when the side is in trouble. Also, the southpaw can also be a handy option with the ball by bowling off-spin. Duminy who has been on a good form off late in the T20 World Cup, can be a threat to the Indian think tank if not skittled early.
Imran Tahir
He may not be as good as Amit Mishra or Ravichandran Ashwin but Imran Tahir can let the ball do the talking if provided with the opportunity. With the conditions in Bangladesh well suited for the spinners, Tahir has been a handy option for South Africa and will be raring to bowl at the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Virat Kohli.
Team India might go into this tie as favourites but South Africa must be given fare share too. The ‘chokers’ tag still haunts the South Africans and now it’s the time to shed that tag and get the hands on a coveted trophy.
