South Africa vs West Indies preview

Posted on | April 9, 2007 | No Comments

West Indies play one of their most important games in recent years when they take on South Africa in new conditions in Grenada in their super eight game.

The South Africans suffered a shock loss to Bangladesh at the Providence Stadium on Saturday, a result which upset the form book and opened a lifeline for the remaining teams- one of which happen to be the hosts. The Proteas were outplayed by Bangladesh on the slow pitch at the Providence stadium, and Graeme Smith’s men will be keen to show that they mean business. The pitch at Grenada is a completely new one, and neither team has an idea of how it will play. Herschelle Gibbs, who made a fighting 56 in the Bangladesh game, is expected to miss the game with a calf strain. Should he not be available, Loots Bosman is expected to open, with AB De Villiers dropping down. The loss of Gibbs would mean more pressure on Smith and Kallis, the only two South African batsmen really in form. Justin Kemp is expected to retain his spot despite calls for his head from all quarters. Kemp going out would mean an entry for Hall or Andre Nel. The think tank will also have to decide on whether or not to play Robin Peterson.

The West Indies seem to have lost the plot after making an excellent start to the tournament, with consecutive losses to Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia all but sealing their exit from the tournament. The team has been criticised for its lack of commitment and they need to win all their games from now on if they are to progress to the last four. Brian Lara is in good nick, and the Windies skipper has tormented the Proteas in recent World Cups- the 1996 and 2003 editions. Chris Gayle, man of the series in the 2006 edition of the Champions Trophy, has not replicated that form at all. The Windies are expected to go in with Powell, Taylor and Bradshaw, with Samuels, Gayle and Bravo giving support.

West Indies have proved to be South Africa’s nemesis in tournaments over the years- especially in the last 10 years. A win here would help the West Indian cause enormously, while defeat here will leave South Africa in a tight spot. The West Indies are not in the best of conditions mentally though, and they will need to raise their game by several notches. South Africa are marginal favourites- but they will need to play well too. Charl Langdevelt, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and Smith the men to watch out for.

Related posts:

1. South Africa vs West Indies betting preview- World Cup 2011
2. India vs West Indies betting preview- World Cup 2011
3. West Indies vs Netherlands betting preview- 2011 World Cup
4. West Indies vs England preview
5. South Africa vs Bangladesh preview

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