South Africa finished second in the group with two losses. Both were first time losses in World Cup against India and Pakistan. Their batting talent is so deep that even quick scoring Behardien has to warm the bench, but their key strength bowling is not yet that impressive. They have reached the knockout knowing very well that in the ICC tournaments, they have only won one knockout when they won the quarterfinal in 2000 Champions Trophy. Check their performance till the end of Group Stage.
World Cup 2015: Schedules and Results
South Africa Bowling and Batting Statistics
MOMs
David Miller, Hashim Amla once each. AB de Villiers has won the award twice so far in World Cup 2015.
1st Match
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South Africa def Zimbabwe by 62 runs
Score: South Africa 339/4 (50/50 ov); Zimbabwe 277 (48.2/50 ov) , MOM: David Miller (138*)
2nd Match
- India def South Africa by 130 runs
Score: Ind 307/7, SA 177 (40.2), MOM: Shikhar Dhawan (137)
3rd Match
- South Africa def West Indies by 257 runs
Score: SA 408/5, WI 151 (31), MOM: AB de Villiers (66-ball 162 runs)
4th Match
- South Africa def Ireland by 201 runs
Score: SA 411/4, Ire 210 (45), MOM: Hashim Amla (128-ball 159 runs)
5th Match
- Pakistan def South Africa by 29 runs (D/L)
Score: Pak 222 (46.4), SA 202 (33.3), MOM: Sarfraz Ahmed (49 runs, 6 catches)
6th Match
- South Africa def United Arab Emirates by 146 runs
Score: SA 341/6 UAE 195 (47.3), MOM: AB de Villiers (99, 2/15)
Batting Revolving Around AB and Amla
6 of their batsmen have scored 100+ runs, 5 of them have hit centuries and almost all till middle order, except de Kock, have played quick and scored 50s. But, except captain AB de Villiers none of them have been consistent. Despite huge 100+ partnerships they are getting tagged as a team dependent on AB de Villiers.
Bowlers Yet to Shine
South Africa started as tournament favorite considering their bowling strength. Surprisingly they have not been so damaging. Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir have been most successful but as a unit they are lagging somewhere. Even Steyn is yet to show why he is the most dangerous bowler in the world at present. Steyn is their biggest concern, while Morkel’s inconsistency defuses his maximum wicket confidence.
With their 2nd position finish, the only question that remains in every mind is that if they could stop choking in the knockouts now!! AB de Villiers has said that South Africa will not choke. The fans would believe in him.
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