MUMBAI, (Reuters) – India can underline their credentials as World Cup favourites with victory over South Africa in Group B tomorrow — and convince their own fans who are becoming increasingly jittery about their prospects.
The co-hosts, touted by most as the favourites to win the Feb 19-April 2 tournament, have been unbeaten so far in their campaign with three wins and a tied match against England.
But their victories — against Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands — have inspired anything but confidence in the supporters’ minds.
The five-wicket wins against lowly Ireland and the Netherlands have rather raised doubts about the supposedly formidable Indian batting line-up.
“I think winning is important and it’s not a bad win. When you see the scorecard it says India won by five wickets. It’s a big positive,” India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said after the victory against the Dutch.
Maybe, but the Indian bowling has lacked teeth so far, which was evident when Bangladesh were allowed to reach 283 for nine while chasing 371 and England managed to tie the match while chasing 339 for victory.
While the pacemen, barring the experienced Zaheer Khan, have failed to impress with the new ball, the regular spinners, including Harbhajan Singh, have blown hot and cold with their form at best.
But captain Dhoni is not worried yet.
“I think Harbhajan is bowling well. Other teams are blocking him and going after Yuvraj, giving him the wickets in the process. Spinners need to hunt in pairs,” he said.
KNOWN RIVALS
India have a chance to dispel all doubts and calm many a nerve with a win at the VCA Stadium on Saturday against rivals who are well known to them. The two teams played each other in a five-match ODI series before the start of the World Cup.
South Africa slipped past India 3-2 in that series but the conditions will be completely different in Nagpur.
The slow and low conditions in the sub-continent mean that the South Africans have had to depend on their slow bowlers more than their quick men.
“It’s a funny game. A couple of months ago, you were getting wickets and things were going well,” said Morne Morkel, who took 12 wickets against India in the home ODI series.
“If I can bowl dot balls and keep one end tight, then I think I’ve done my job. It will be great to get wickets. We have some important games to come so I know that my day will come soon.”
The Africans compounded their problems by getting skittled for 165 runs, while chasing 172 for victory against England, giving their critics an opportunity of labelling them “chokers” again having never won this tournament.
The England match had more after effects as their highest wicket-taker Imran Tahir suffered a left thumb fracture while making a catch to dismiss Jonathan Trott.
Tahir has been advised to rest it for 10 days but is available for selection as the injury is to his non-bowling hand.
Another cricketer that South Africa have to guard against will be former opener Gary Kirsten, India’s current coach.
The Indians will bank on Kirsten for some insider’s tips to boost their chances against his home nation.
“They have got very different ideas and very different thinking. I have enjoyed bringing the Indian style and a South African influence and connecting the two,” Kirsten had told Cricinfo before the start of the tournament.
“It is important that they know I’m there and that I will work as hard as possible on helping them prepare for games.
“After all, it is the player who needs to be clear in his head in the pressure situation during game time. He can’t call the coach to think for him.”
