S Africa powers past UAE and into quarter-final
Team trying to shake off “chokers” label after inconsistent form in lead up to World Cup’s knockout rounds.
South Africa’s 146-run victory over UAE in their final World Cup Pool B clash was exactly what the team needed heading into the quarter-finals, captain AB de Villiers said.
De Villiers’ side have experienced an inconsistent campaign and were still to secure qualification for the last eight before Thursday’s match at Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
South Africa had displayed their best form when twice registering scores of more than 400 runs but also appeared vulnerable in losses to India and Pakistan, raising doubts over the side’s ability to shake off their “World Cup chokers” tag.
“I won’t say ‘yes that win has given us the confidence to believe that we are better than ever’ but those games need to be respected and the boys rocked up with a great attitude,” said man of the match De Villiers, who scored 99 runs in his side’s total of 6 for 341.
“We wanted to win. We wanted to play a good game of cricket. Which we did,” he added after UAE were dismissed for 195 with Fahad Alhashmi unable to bat after injuring his leg while bowling.
“It was a good performance. Those are always tricky games. I thought they bowled pretty well up front and made it difficult for us (and)… they made us work for our runs.
“Everyone bowled nicely. Very happy with the fielding display as well. Those kind of opportunities will help us going into the knockout rounds.”
De Villiers said South Africa probably had some selection issues ahead of their quarter-final, likely to be against Sri Lanka in Sydney presuming the remaining Pool A matches go as expected.
Faf du Plessis, who did not play due to a back injury should be fit in time for next Wednesday’s clash with Rilee Rossouw, who scored 43 against UAE and pulled off three spectacular catches and Farhaan Behardien (64 not out) likely to be competing for a spot.