The tournament could be over before it's really started for South Africa, says Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis has stated that the next game against India is a must win one for South Africa in order to have realistic hopes of qualifying for the semifinals. He also spoke about his country’s chances in the tournament and what they need to do in order to qualify for the semi-finals.
After two losses from the first two games, the Proteas are facing an early elimination right in the face and are under great pressure while facing one of the tournament’s favourites in what is practically a must-win match.
"It's disappointing and frustrating and there is lots of pressure on the next game, otherwise the tournament could be over before it's really started for South Africa," Kallis agreed, in his column for the ICC.
However, with India playing their first match on the tournament, their players will be feeling some butterflies in their stomachs, while South Africa should have already settled into their game by now after matches against England and Bangladesh, a factor that could give them the edge over the Men in Blue.
"It doesn't get any easier though against India but it's their first game and our third, so maybe that could give us the edge we need. They've not played for a week and maybe they'll be some first game nerves, whereas we are settled," Kallis said.
Considering the class of teams such as England and Australia and their forms, the only way South Africa can hope of going far in the tournament is to be at their very best for every single game and cannot afford to slip up even one bit for the remainder of the tournament, regardless of the circumstances.
"We've got to play all our cards and we can't afford any more silly mistakes at vital stages - these are the best sides in the world and they'll always punish you. Strange things happen in this sport and if we can get a win then I think we can go on a streak and we are still good enough to be a contender. There will be no margin for error though. I think you'll need six wins, maybe five with a really good run rate, to finish in the top four, so South Africa almost need to win every game they will play," he explained.
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