New Delhi: Team India started the World Cup on a good note by defeating its arch rival Pakistan. This victory was embraced with relief, especially after it's dismally performance during Australia tour where it failed to win a single match.
Indian batting clicked at the right moment with Dhawan, Kohli and Raina putting high numbers on the scoreboard. Even the bowling, the weakest department of India in this World Cup, was above average. The bowlers took wickets at regular interval without conceding many runs and the fielders contributed equally to the task.
Just as India has never been defeated by Pakistan in a World Cup match, India has never defeated South Africa in the tournament. South Africa might be a choker but they are definitely a better team than the Pakistan is in this World Cup. The Men in Blue worked quite hard and gave their hundred percent to keep the record against Pakistan intact but they will have to work harder still against SA to break the jinx.
There are a few points India must be focusing on in the match against Proteas. Here is a list of the things that could help India break the drought of World Cup wins against South Africa.
A good opening partnership
If opening batsmen succeed in giving a good start it takes off the pressure from middle order. The key to a good total is always good opening partnership. The reason behind losses in the Australia tour was the failure of opening batsmen to give a good start. South Africa has a batting lineup made with the likes of Hashim Amla, AB De Villiers, Quinton De Kock.
If you want to set a target against such team, you have to put at least 300 runs on the scoreboard. While chasing a target, opening partnership becomes more crucial. Master blaster Sachin recognizes the need of an opening partnership against SA, “Opening will be critical against South Africa,” he told a news channel.
Keep the score board moving
South Africa have always been known as a great fielding side. They are the best in the World and they will not let India score many runs in the upcoming match. Scoring singles against such a great fielding will be quite difficult but India will have to keep the score board moving at any cost. Speaking to Headlines Today, Tendulkar said, “Running between wickets has to be good against South Africa as they are a terrific fielding side, taking singles will be tougher”.
Team India must pay heed to the master blaster's advice.
Handle Steyn well
The deadliest weapon in South African armory is no doubt Dale Steyn. Even on an average day, Steyn can make Indian batting line-up look like a deck of cards. Trick to score big against the Proteas will be to handle Dale Steyn well. Don't be overconfident, respect him and be extra vigil in his over.
Bowlers must give in their best
Only bowler who has been part of earlier World Cup squad is R. Ashwin. With Ishant Sharma out of the squad, the pace department lies in the hands of Shami and Umesh. Though they performed well in the last match it's quite hard to say if they can survive brutal attack by Amla and De Villiers. If India has to win, they don't have to be average, they have to be at their best on D-Day.
Lift up the fielding
Though, India's fielding was pretty good against Pakistan, it has to be better against Proteas. If you want to win a match against SA, you've to grab the half chances because that's all you will get. A win means, wins in all departments and India have to defeat South Africa with its fielding too.
