South Africa edges through

Wow, my fingers are quite a bit shorter today. Tony Greg described it as the best game of the World Cup. It was a thriller of a game, and an unbelievable end.

For the average SA supporter the history of SA being chokers, or struggling to win have been revived, and fears have arisen. But SA will put this behind them, in the same vein that they put the Aus game behind them, and they'll bank the 2 points. From here on it does not look too hard to get into the semi's.

On selections:

I thought that the move to play Peterson instead of Prince was inspired. Peterson didn't bowl excellently, but it gives SA a variety which Prince doesn't really offer. At the moment SA's batting looks capable and in form (barring really fast reverse-swinging bowling, and Murali offbreaks and doosras), and should be able to chase most targets with Smith firing at the front giving an excellent base. Pollock's bowling is a concern, and thought should be given to make him first change. But I would like to see him build some confidence against the "easier" games that are coming along next for SA. Or maybe Smith should just not hesitate to take him off after 2.

When I saw Malinga the first time, I couldn't believe the accuracy he bowled at. It was amazing, and I knew he was a treasure for Sri Lankian cricket. I frowned at the fact that they didn't play Fernando, as he is another wicket taker, and add him to Malinga, Vaas, Murali and you have 40/50 overs of the game coming from bowlers who can take a wicket any time. And you fill the other 10 with Jayasuriya and maybe another 1.

On a personal note I have a dream team. I play Smith, Kallis, Vaas, Malinga and Murali. These 5 were the top performers of the day (excepting Langeveldt), and I am very chuffed at the performance of my team.

Labels: 2007 world cup, hat-trick, malinga, south africa, sri lanka, world cup