World Cup 2011 - SA vs England

SA vs England

A super match. England coming from a loss from a minnow Ireland, SA coming from two easy wins over two associate teams. Broad, Bresnan, Swann down in confidence, desperate to pull themselves up. DeVilliers, Amla, having performed very strongly in the first two matches, and Greame Smith having Imran Tahir up his sleeve that supposedly “completes” the team. Most people would have said this to be an easy match for SA.

Smith read the pitch correctly and showed some brilliance by throwing the new ball to Robin Petersen. He shocked everyone by snaring out the openers in the first over and soon England were 15/3, and the prospects of facing Steyn, Morkel, Imran Tahir were getting dangerous by the minute. Ravi Bopara and Trott got down and faced off the new ball, and then half the England innings in what could be the partnership of the World Cup. Some grit they’ve shown against the bowling super powers and put together 99 runs, which eventually became the difference. Once this partnership was done, Imran Tahir and Steyn stuck it into England to bowl them out of a paltry 171.

Smith must be as relaxed as Clive Lloyd was after the Indian innings in the 1983 final. No real issues for the first 14 odd overs. Then the wickets of Smith and Amla and Kallis’ occasional failure. DeVilliers was at the crease Faf Du Plessis and the SA team were waiting to open the champagne. However, the English started strangling them. 40 odd runs of the 12+ overs that these two were at the crease installed such fear in the South African camp that eventually led to their loss. (I was tempted to call it a downfall, but one match is too early to say that). By the time they lost four wickets for 3 runs in 5 overs, the Proteas were shit scared with the C-word written large all over their faces. Steyn threatened to wipe it off, but the momentum as with England who duly prevailed in the contest.

England will be mighty pleased and relieved with this effort and have probably will look to carry the momentum with them in the next games, while on the other hand, SA should actually be happy. They have choked in the league matches of the tournament and this is one “ritual” out of their way. Cheer up Smith. Bad news for India.