ICC World Twenty20 - South Africa's performance - An Overview - Part II
Continued from Part I .....
After opening their ICC World Twenty20 campaign with a victory, South Africa were now going against Sri Lanka, a tough side especially at home.
On a spinning track, winning the toss was crucial for Sri Lanka at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota, as without any hesitation they chose to field first.
Mahela Jayawardene’s decision was perfect as the Lankans gave South African a h**l of a time, successfully restricting them on a small total of 78.
South Africa’s problems began when they lost their first wicket with just four on the board as opener RE Levi was dismissed by Kulasekara.
HM Amla and F du Plessis were up next, but the partnership failed to yield much as with 27 on the scoreboard, it was time for Amla to hit the showers. The batsman was removed by Herath for 16.
Skipper AB de Villiers alongside F du Plessis took the side to 65 before the Proteas lost their third wicket of the day on the departure of their skipper, who fell after belting 30 runs off 13 deliveries.
The Lankan bowlers forced the South Africans to be defensive which limited the batting side from scoring freely.
This was perhaps the match that exposed weaknesses in the South African batting line-up and the lack of depth in their squad.
The fourth-wicket partnership ended with 68 on the board when du Plessis perished after scoring 13 runs.
As history would have it, rain has always left South Africa on the losing end and since this match was reduced to seven overs due to showers, the Proteas managed to post a small total on the board.
However, this was the day when South Africa would go on to change history as they exhibited their best while reducing the hosts to a total of 46 runs.
The Africans drew first blood on the run out of Dilshan, who failed to score. Then with eight on the board, South Africa struck for the second time when Steyn sent the Sri Lankan skipper back for four.
Middle-order batsmen EMDY Munaweera and KC Sangakkara were the ace performers for having smacked 13 runs each, as the rest of the batsmen just couldn’t click against the fine bowling and fielding.
Consequently, the Sri Lankans crumbled on 46 for the loss of five wickets.
South Africa v Pakistan (Pakistan won by 2 wickets)
This was the game that actually ended South Africa’s winning streak, where fans witnessed a spectacular match between two tough competitors at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Knowing that Pakistan do not bat well second, South Africa exploited this weakness and chose to bat first.
HM Amla, who had a great year, was the first to go when Yasir Arafat had him caught by Shoaib Malik for six.
Then with 28 on the board, it was time for Pakistan’s spin magician, Saeed Ajmal to open his account as he clean-bowled RE Levi for eight.
The next over saw all-rounder, JH Kallis, find his way off after jabbing a knock of 12 runs.
With three wickets down, South Africa were beginning to feel the heat. However, JP Duminy and F Behardien halted Pakistan bowlers from going berserk.
To be continued ........
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