PUNE: India are not the only team having a 'Chinaman' bowler in the ranks. South Africa's Tabraiz Shamsi is cut from the same cloth as Kuldeep Yadav. Like the Ravindra Jadeja-Kuleep combo of left-arm spin, the Shamsi-Keshav Maharaj duo is turning out to be a vital cog in South Africa's wheel.
In that sense, it was somewhat surprising that Shamsi, Man of the Match during their win against Pakistan, was not picked in the XI for the game against New Zealand in Pune. He had to make way for paceman Kasigo Rabada.
The Proteas have a potent bowling strike force at their display and it's no surprise that they topped the points table after Wednesday's match, although they have played a match more than India. "All our bowlers want to strike," said Rabada after beating the Kiwis. "That's the good thing and if the wickets happen, it is a bonus." Shamsi has taken a wicket every three overs. Pacer Gerald Coetzee and left-arm paceman Marco Jansen have taken 30 wickets between them, each striking every 20 balls.
The pace attack, Shamsi's rare skills and Maharaj's abilities are matched with the bat by Quinton de Kock, who is batting with dogged determination. Rassie van der Dussen, the centurion against Kiwis on Wednesday, said, "Quinny has a determination about him that I haven't seen in a very long time. He's ploughing back into the team in all aspects. The guys re ally feed off him. He really guided me through my innings today. At times I was under pressure and I was asking him about a few options. He thinks so clearly."
1/10:World Cup: South Africa thrash New Zealand to go top of the standings
IANS
2/10:Quinton de Kock's century
Quinton de Kock scored his fourth century of the World Cup, reaching 114 runs off 116 balls.AP
3/10:Rassie van der Dussen's century
Rassie van der Dussen scored his second century of the World Cup, hitting 133 runs off 118 balls.ANI
4/10:South Africa's dominant victory
South Africa thrashed New Zealand by 190 runs, with New Zealand collapsing to 167 all out while chasing a 358-run target.IANS
5/10:South Africa's Semi-Final Hopes
With this victory, South Africa are virtually assured of a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup.ANI
6/10:New Zealand's struggles
New Zealand suffered their third loss of the tournament, putting their chances of reaching the semi-finals at risk.ANI
7/10:De Kock's retirement plans
Quinton de Kock plans to retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup.IANS
8/10:De Kock, van der Dussen stand
Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen had a 200-run partnership for the second wicket.ANI
9/10:South Africa's bowling performance
South Africa's fast bowlers, led by Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, ripped through New Zealand's top order.ANI
10/10:New Zealand's injury woes
New Zealand played without their injured captain Kane Williamson, which further weakened their batting lineup.PTIVan der Dussen added: "Everyone's contributing, even the guys on the bench. The energy they are putting into the team has just been unbelievable. So, all 15, the staff's contributing, our medical team to get the guys back (on track) and ready and reset for every match."
The 34-year-old said that finding that balance between the risk you want to take and the rate you want to go at is important. It is also about setting the base up for the middle-order to come in besides executing their fluid plans well under pressure.
"In our match review meetings, we keep looking at the numbers with the coaches and so far in this tournament, by most metrics, we are stacking up pretty well," said van der Dussen.
