Mumbai, Oct 31: After six rounds of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, India and South Africa have emerged as the best teams by occupying the first two spots on the points table and are comfortably poised to enter the semifinals.
Hosts India have been unbeaten in the competition through their dominating all-round performances while South Africa, barring the loss to Netherlands, have been at their absolute best with bat and ball.
When India take on South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 5, one can expect fireworks from both teams in what is expected to be a blockbuster clash. Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, currently serving as the SA20 league commissioner, spoke to IANS about South Africa’s form in the tournament and how India’s bowling can pose a huge challenge to the Proteas.
Talking about the performance of South Africa till now in the tournament, Graeme said, “I’m so happy, as like everyone, I’ve probably had a slightly lower expectation going into the World Cup. But the top players have performed really well and the other players have really stepped up when given the opportunities.”
Talking about India, Graeme said, “Playing India in India is always a huge challenge. I’ve been saying that the bowling attack of India has wicket-takers everywhere. They’ve got outstanding fast-bowlers. That’s going to be the biggest challenge for South Africa. (IANS)
