Published: Jun 14, 2013, 03:02 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 14, 2013, 03:02 PM (IST)
In case the match is washed out, both teams will share a point each but South Africa have a much better run-rate and hence will advance in the semi-final stage © Getty Images
Cardiff: Jun 14, 2013
The must-win encounter for South Africa and West Indies might have an unusual end as rain has delayed the start of the match at Cardiff on Friday.
The weather was expected to be cloudy ahead of the match. In case the match is abandoned, the points will be split between the teams and South Africa will go through as they have a much better run-rate.
South Africa have got a shot in the arm ahead of the crucial match with pacer Dale Steyn returning to fitness. He bowled in the nets on Wednesday without any discomfort after being laid low by a side strain.
As far as the batting prowess goes, both teams seem evenly matched even though the Chris Gayle factor could tilt the scales in the West Indies’ favour if the swashbuckler comes up with one of his hurricane knocks.
On the bowling front, South Africa have the distinct edge, especially if Steyn returns to the squad on Friday.
For the West Indies, spinner Sunil Narine remains a crucial cog and he proved his worth yet against when he picked up a couple of wickets against India, albeit for a losing cause in their previous match.
South Africans, on the other hand, have a strong bowling line-up, which stifled Pakistan in their previous game.
Medium-pacer Ryan McLaren was especially destructive with a four-wicket haul.
