World Cup 2015 SF 1 South Africa vs New Zealand preview; Two powerhouses clash for a chance in finals for the 1st time

World Cup 2015 SF 1 South Africa vs New Zealand preview; Two powerhouses clash for a maiden chance to play the finals:

Date: 24 March 2015       Time: 0630 IST
Venue: Auckland

So finally we are now down to the top 4 teams of the Cricket World Cup 2015. The two best teams from these four will go through to the finals to play for the coveted trophy. One thing is for sure, one of the teams in the finals will be a first time finalist, while other will play either for their 5th title or for the 3rd title.

Here is our preview of the first semi-final of the World Cup 2015 between 2 of the most exciting teams of the World Cup.

South Africa

South Africa beat Sri Lanka convincingly to win their first ever knockout match in the history of the tournament. They enter their 4th World Cup semi-final, having previously played semis in 1992, 1999 and 2007.

The Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for 133 despite most of their batsmen being in form. South Africa did the damage using spin from both ends and Tahir got 4 wickets while Duminy picked up a hat-trick. Another good news was that their persistence with De Kock as opener finally paid off when the left-hander cracked 78* to take South Africa to the win.

South Africa’s batting is really getting into their best form now and they have already made scores of 400 or more twice in this World Cup 2015. Their batsmen have the technique and ability to negate the swing, speed and seam that Kiwi bowlers impart from the pitches in New Zealand.

Bowling wise South Africa is concerned about the fitness of Dale Steyn, otherwise the other fast bowlers Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell have been in top form and bowling with exceptional pace. While their fielding is world-class, with AB de Villiers leading the pack on the field. SA do have to face the likes of Brendon McCullum who hits the ball twice as hard as it is bowled at him and has proven very dangerous, giving flash like starts to the Kiwis on the small ground at Auckland will help them in their cause. They will be vary of others Kiwi batting line up which has been unstoppable in New Zealand conditions; McCullum and Guptill in top form with Williamson, Taylor and Anderson for backup.

The only thing South Africa needs to do other than all of the above, is to keep their heads cool and don’t let the pressure get to them. They have a chance to create history and remove that tag of ‘chokers’ once and for all. But if they lose, it will be very difficult now to refute that tag.

Road to semi-finals

South Africa (Won 5, Lost 2, Tie 0)

1. Beat Zimbabwe by 62 runs

2. Lost to India by 130 runs

3. Beat West Indies by 257 runs

4. Beat Ireland by 201 runs

5. Lost to Pakistan by 29 runs (D/L method)

6. Beat United Arab Emirates by 146 runs

7. QF – Beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets

New Zealand

New Zealand, co-hosts of the World Cup 2015 march into the semi-finals with an unbeaten record in the ICC World Cup 2015, having produced the kind of cricket that went from one end of the spectrum to another, from slam-bang, swashbuckling to  scrambling, last-ditch attempts. They defeated West Indies in the QF with one of the most dominating performances in the knockout games in history of World Cups. Their style of swashbuckling stroke play has brought in crowds to the scenic venues across the country, supporting their team and taking pride in their team’s performance and supporting them in hordes and praying that they bring home the elusive World Cup crown.

Brendon McCullum and now Martin Guptill who broke the record of highest score in World Cup with his 237* are the primary reason for New Zealand’s unbeaten record. The captain has giving those blazing starts, but the last couple of games brought out other heroes in the team. Leading up to the tournament, even the likes of Luke Ronchi and Grant Elliott showed their prowess down the order.

Guptill has made 2 centuries in the World Cup with his 237* being the highlight for the Kiwi campaign. Corey Anderson’s wicket taking knack though has been one of the surprises of the tournament while veteran spinner Daniel Vettori has been reliable as ever, providing the bowling department some really good support.
The Boult-Southee axis are fit and firing in all cylinders while tear away pacer. Their main striking bowler will be Boult and Milne with Southee to pick up the wickets early on.

Expect another nail biter from these 2 brilliantly talented teams, who have not reached the finals until now.

Road to semi-finals

New Zealand (Won 7, Lost 0, Tie 0)

1. Beat Sri Lanka by 98 runs

2. Beat Scotland by 3 wickets

3. Beat England by 8 wickets

4. Beat Australia by 1 wicket

5. Beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets

6. Beat Bangladesh by 3 wickets

7. QF- Beat West Indies by 143 runs.

Possible Playing XI:

South Africa: AB de Villiers (c), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Wayne Parnell, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Quinton de Kock (WK), Dale Steyn.

New Zealand: Brendon McCullum (C), Corey Anderson, Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Daniel Vettori, Adam Milne, Luke Ronchi (WK), Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson