Hyderabad : No matter how good or bad South African team is , they have the tendency to "Choke" when it matters the most in World Cups. Their records in the World Cup right from 1992, when they made their debut, speaks for themselves.
Recent records of the Proteas show that they are indeed a force to reckon with. They beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka at home. Particularly after tasting defeat in the test series against Sri Lankans in their home soil, the way they bounced back in the ODI series is in word --- remarkable !
The batting order of the Proteas looks strong enough. With the openers Aiden Markram / Hashim Amla / Quinton DeKock are capable to give a good and a blazing start. Particularly DeKock, known for his pinch hitting capabilities. The middle order also can be reliable one. With skipper Francois DuPlessis , David Miller and J.P.Duminy there to consolidate the good start the openers are expected to give.
Quinton De Kock apart from providing good starts to his team can perform a good job behind the stumps with his gloves on.
Read : Australia ---- strength in batting , weak in bowling
Bowling attack of the Proteas also are enviable enough. Led by Dale Steyn with able supports from Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo they are quite capable to demolish any opposition on their given day. Not to forget the spin department led by Pakistan born Imran Tahir and with all-rounder Chris Morris around, the bowling line up are capable enough to pick up all 10 opposition's wickets.
On paper, the squad looks balanced enough. The weakness comes in the crucial moment i.e. in the knock out stages. Apart from the 2015 quarter final victory over Sri Lanka, they couldn't manage to win any. Either by luck, or due to their poor performance on that given day they couldn't hold their nerves together. In 1992 semis against England, weird rain rule robbed them the chances to advance to the championship match. In 1996 quarter finals, Brian Lara's ton ousted them out. In 1999, a dramatic tie, a tragic one again due to tournament rule compelled them to bow out after having an outstanding outing , courtesy, Lance Klusener. Poor shows in 2007 semis vs Australia and a late batting collapse vs New Zealand in 2011 quarters also a gritty knock by Grant Elliot of New Zealand brought them down in the 2015 semis at Auckland.
All the Proteas need is to hold on to their nerves and pray so that luck favours them
