Even when South Africa were a much stronger side with some legends in their ranks, they still used to choke during critical phases of World Cups and other ICC meets. Now that they lack too many big names in their lineup, they have become a lot more inconsistent, especially in white-ball cricket.

A big reason for that is the fall in their batting standards, which goes on to put a lot more pressure on the bowlers and affects their performance as well.

In this T20 World Cup, the Proteas find themselves in Group 2, which also have India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Their task will obviously be an arduous one, but they need to keep believing when it comes to making the lastfour stage as, alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan and “powerhouse” India can also commit gross errors during crucial situations. The Proteas of course will have to keep their errors at a minimum.

Quinton de Kock. File picture

STRENGTHS

The presence of a player of the calibre of Quinton de Kock is indeed one plus point for South Africa. Agreed, at the initial stage of his innings, he has this tendency to play an ugly-looking stroke out of nowhere and perish, but once De Kock gets going, he can make the opposition bowlers pay.

Heinrich Klaasen’s progress as a batter is also an encouraging sign for the Proteas, especially in terms of dealing with spin. In the current South African line-up, the solidity that Klaasen displays against spinners is quite superior to that of the other batsmen. Importantly, he doesn’t let the spinners get away with loose balls. Besides, Klaasen is someone who can take some pressure off De Kock and David Miller.

Bowling-wise, South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, should fancy their chances in the Australian conditions. Rabada’s abilities as a fast bowler are known to all, but what could also benefit South Africa are the variations of Lungi Ngidi, whose change of pace can certainly fox batters.

Kagiso Rabada. File picture

Even left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has made decent progress in white-ball cricket, which was evident during the recent T20I series against India.

WEAKNESSES

In spite of De Kock’s presence, South Africa’s top order is one of their major worries. And a big reason for that is their captain Temba Bavuma, who’s gritty in Test cricket but just doesn’t seem to have his way in the limited-overs version. No.3 Rilee Roussouw can unleash strokes, but his technique isn’t as sound, which is why he struggles against quality bowling and in conditions helpful for bowlers.

South Africa’s bowling is indeed their biggest strength, but it sometimes turns out to be their weakness too as the quicks (including Rabada) tend to lose control over their fast stuff and start leaking runs. Precisely, the Proteas seriously need to make it clear to Anrich Nortje that always bowling flat out is not the right way to go.

All-rounder Dwaine Pretorius’ absence is another big blow. The 33-year-old experienced campaigner is not just capable of clearing the ground, but can also be promoted in the batting order as per the situation. But he is out of the World Cup with a fractured thumb and South Africa will have fill that gap in their line-up.

X-FACTOR

The killer instinct of “Killer Miller” will be massive for the Proteas irrespective of whether they bat first or second.

At his prime at present following a successful IPL campaign this year for champions Gujarat Titans, Miller still has his problems, particularly against spin. Despite that, if the left-hander can check his unforced errors and avoids doing anything fancy before getting set, he can single-handedly turn a game on its head. The sixes then just keep flowing from his bat.

CUP RECORD

⚫ Semi-finals: 2009, 2014