In this Cricket World Cup Cycle — South Africa has won 57% of the matches batting first and 43% batting second. In that sense, Sri Lanka should have batted first on this belter of a deck. Perhaps, the horror at Colombo during the Asia Cup had put them on the conservative side and when you think conservatively, you pay a heavy price.
After Ahmadabad and Hyderabad, the Delhi track offered more turns, but the Lankan spinners failed to figure out anything. While the pacers were left baffled.
Yes, Sri Lanka is without some of their front-line bowlers but Rajitha, Madhusanka, Wellalage, and Pathirana are not average replacements at all. They failed to gain control over their bowling and we’re at sixes and sevens.
Temba Bavuma will be a walking wicket and South Africa know
this — they forgot the loss of their skipper and started playing baseball at
Delhi.
Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram enjoyed a jolly bash at Delhi by dishing out a murderous but cultural hitting that triggered a cyclone as the ball vanished in every corner of the stadium.
Orthodox shots. Innovative shots. power hitting. Astonishing bat swing. Astute footwork. Electrifying running between the wickets. All combined to garner more strength to the cyclone which crushed Sri Lanka physically and mentally.
Sri Lanka batted with a certain composure but was never in
the hunt to chase this total, which is the highest total scored by a team in a
Cricket World Cup — South Africa is the only team who have posted 400+ total in
the Cricket World three times with India and Australia are the other two teams.
South Africa — maybe for the first time in a Cricket World Cup Tournament, is not among the favourites. But the way they have started, the Proteas have claimed a place among the serious contenders for the title.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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