So far, only two teams have breezed through the tournament from the very beginning and reached the “Final Four” - the semi-finals without any major hiccups. New Zealand came close to being embarrassed by Bangladesh in its last fixture of the group stage and India could have been jolted by Zimbabwe had a catch not been floored that could have seen the back of Suresh Raina. However, neither loss would change the team standings as both had secured the top position in their respective groups. The only significant change would be for India had Bangladesh won the day against the Kiwis, in which case it would have had to overcome Sri Lanka in the quarter-final – somewhat of a different ball game than having Bangladesh as the way to the semis. Both Australia and South Africa played two exceptional quarter-finals. While Australia survived a torrid spell of hostile bowling from Wahab Riaz and with the expected aid from the Pakistani fielders managed to overcome Pakistan’s meagre score of 213, South Africa steamrolled the Lankans in one of the most lop-sided quarter-finals in World Cup history.
Based on pure performance, the four best teams are deservingly playing for a place in the final and hence have the opportunity to be called the world champions for the next four years. Let us ponder over the two matches and analyse each match-up from a practical point of view. Of course, there will always be the “X Factor” that comes into play to determine the final outcome of the match.
South Africa has shelved its ‘jinx’ once and for all
In the past South Africa has turned up with some of the best units in world cricket, played the initial rounds with tenacity and won convincingly only to lose when it really mattered, i.e., at the knockout phase. This time, they lost two group stage matches against oppositions (India and Pakistan) that no one really considered as serious threats. Their win against Sri Lanka in the quarter-final was not just a win. It was the way they won, which was emphatic and dominating. This in itself can drive this team to a new level of intensity that could see them take the day against the Kiwis.
Martin Guptill is in a powerful mode but will need some help from the others
He cannot ride the bus alone. Between him, Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson, the Kiwis have a total of 983 runs with Guptill leading the pack with 498 runs. On the other hand, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and David Miller have scored 1015 runs with the individual spread being closer than the Kiwis. The wicket taking numbers favour the Black Caps. Between their three strike bowlers, Trent Boult, Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee, they have a total of 49 wickets as opposed to the Proteas’ tally of 39 wickets with Imran Tahir leading the pack.
The above scenario clearly indicates that both teams will need a collective effort to come up big in this match. It may not be a bad idea for Brendon to change his approach and try a more sedate one to smother the Proteas attack.
Tahir is the ‘X Factor’
He is the man in the middle for De Villiers who has a lot of faith in his leggie. Pakistan’s loss is South Africa’s gain and Tahir has proven this time and again on center stage. How the Black Caps play him will be the key. If Tahir goes wicketless in the middle, the match will swing in favor of the New Zealanders.
All in all, this should be a cracker of a match.
