This is how you play against a weaker time. Yes, I'm referring to yesterday's match between Ireland and South Africa. The Proteas completely dominated the match from the word go. We have seen how 300 has become quite a normal score in the World Cup but South Africa are taking it to the next level. This is the second time they have crossed the 400 mark. They are the only team to have scored 400 in this World Cup till now. It is remarkable how much they lifted their performance after losing from India. They have just transformed. Actually, this is how they were supposed to play. The loss against India was sort of a surprise. However, they were one of the favourites at the beginning of the World Cup and they are proving why. When you have a player like Hashim Amla opening the innings and the fantastic AB de Villiers finishing it, 400 becomes a regular occurrence. There is a certain degree of modesty that you feel from the South African team which is quite admirable. Before their match against Ireland yesterday, they were very cautious with their comments. They mentioned how Ireland is a good team and is capable of defeating the best on a given day. The Irish team has provided the World Cups with a few upsets over the years but playing against a team like South Africa is a different ball game. As an underdog, you rarely get to defeat a team of that caliber. You can be sure that the Proteas will keep performing at this standard. This just finally might be their World Cup.
–Shaan Tahir
shantahir@gmail.com