Graeme Smith thinks the current South Africa side have one of their “most destructive” middle orders and has urged captain Temba Bavuma to step up to guide the team to their first-ever World Cup title.
The former skipper admitted he did not expect this South African side to be so ruthless.
“Like everybody else, my expectations were lower going into the tournament. I knew that if the team was going to do well, there were certain players who had to have a good tournament — and that has happened,” Smith said.
“South Africa has a really destructive middle order. I would probably say one of South Africa’s most
destructive middle-order ever — with (Aiden) Markram, (Heinrich) Klaasen and (David) Miller — you have got players that have incredible power
and destructive ability. They all play spin well, that is a huge asset.”
Smith feels batting with freedom has led them to dominate the opposition in the competition.
“They are building up to some big games, against Afghanistan, New Zealand and India. Hopefully, they can maintain the freedom (with which) they have been playing with,” said Smith.
“The key for them now, getting to these stages in the tournament, (the) conversations change, (the) pressure changes and expectations are now there. They should just focus on cricket and play the way they have played.”
About captain Bavuma, Smith said: “I would love to see, at this stage in the tournament, (Bavuma to) step up with the bat, make really good decisions and he certainly has the opportunity to do that.
“The world is yours, you have got yourself in this position now, you have pretty much qualified for the semi-finals now, lots to look forward to.”
With inputs from PTI
