It’s crunch time again for South Africa in a cricket World Cup on Thursday, and the key to making their first-ever men’s final on the biggest stage will rely on the team firing on all cylinders.
South Africa have been unbeaten in this T20 World Cup to date, after winning a number of close games - after less than ideal preparation with a 3-0 series defeat to the West Indies as their warm-up for the tournament.
However, it’s been an impressive run of results for South Africa.
As they move onto the semi-finals on Thursday against Afghanistan, here are five areas the Proteas need to get right if they want to have a shot at silverware.
"We've played the higher pressure situations well and we're looking to cash in against England." - Proteas batsman Heinrich Klaasen ahead of the Proteas' T20 World Cup Super Eight clash against England on Friday.#T20WC24
📽️: ICC pic.twitter.com/ulr0AHjm1M
Batsmen need to be more selective in strokeplay
Though the Proteas were successful in the run-chase against the West Indies in their Super Eight clash earlier this week, some of the batsman were guilty of careless strokeplay.
The biggest culprit was Tristan Stubbs, 29 runs, and especially since he was the top-scorer. With SA cruising at 100/5 in pursuit of 123 to win with four overs remaining, Stubbs went for a big shot off a short delivery before he was caught at long on - to leave his side in heaps of trouble instead of knocking the ball around and guiding his team to victory.
In the same game, Heinrich Klaasen, 22 runs, also got into a terrible position with a short ball and ended up only fending it away before being caught behind.
Proteas fast bowler Ottniel Baartman has welcomed the pressure situations that will come South Africa’s way.
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📽️: Cricket South Africa pic.twitter.com/gGEbsbV7pz
Full tosses don’t get the job done
Though they were much better against the West Indies in this aspect, in their Super Eight game against England - the contest was nearly lost in a single over.
Ottniel Baartman was tasked with bowling the 17th over and delivered five full tosses out of six to be smashed for 21 runs, with three fours and a six.
Baartman was probably going for the yorker, but after one or two he still persisted with the plan he was unable to execute.
After the match, Proteas skipper Aiden Markram admitted that he backed his bowler to pull off the plan, showing that he was unable to make a big call and readjust the approach.
Reeza Hendricks needs to step up
Hendricks has struggled to get going in this World Cup alongside Quinton de Kock who has got better as the tournament has wore on. With a top score of 43, Hendricks’ next best score is 19 with four other scores in single figures.
His last chance at redemption will be the semi-final.
Keep being flexible with the batting order
One thing South Africa did really well against England was mix up their batting order, as the match situation dictated.
With De Kock and Hendricks putting on an 86-run opening stand, Heinrich Klaasen was promoted to number three to keep the fast scoring going. It may have not worked as he was run out for eight, but it was definitely the right call.
Even though regular number three Markram failed coming in at number five, David Miller and Stubbs were able to guide South Africa to a defendable total.
Make the brave team selection based on pitch conditions
Against Afghanistan, South Africa will face a strong spin attack led by captain Rashid Khan. If the pitch in Tarouba looks like it will favour spin, SA must not hesitate to pick both Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj. On a slow wicket, South Africa’s advantage with their strong pace attack will be negated, and not picking two spinners will leave the Proteas at a disadvantage.