South Africa will look to begin their 2011 ICC World Cup campaign with a win against the West Indies when they take them on at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi on Thursday, February 24. South Africa are more than eager to shed the tag of chokers and would be intent on going far in this tournament.
They shouldn’t be having a problem in the group stages from any of the teams apart from India. Their bowling attack looks very strong; however the spin department lacks a wicket taking bowler. Both Robin Peterson and Johan Botha are bowlers who look to contain the batsmen and that reason is why it wouldn’t be surprising if South Africa go with a third spinner in Imran Tahir.
The leg spinner has been excellent in the domestic season and will be playing in his first World Cup. The track at the Kotla should assist the spinners like any other sub continent track but will also assist batting because of its true bounce.
The West Indies go into this game on the back of consecutive series losses to Bangladesh, South Africa and Sri Lanka. They will be dependent on Chris Gayle to give them an explosive start and Kieron Pollard to finish the innings with a flourish. The side is made up of four top quality all rounders in Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, Gayle and Pollard but still lack a genuine wicket taker in the bowling department.
Suleiman Benn and Nikita Miller will be the genuine spinners in the side but both of them are similar in style which could be a problem. The loss of Adrian Barath to injury, will also increase the pressure on Gayle to attack more at the top.
South Africa have more quality and have been the form side over the last year. However, it would be foolish to rub the West Indies off. They could be a dark horse in this tournament if they could get their bowling combination right.