There is no doubt that the South Africans are trying to think differently this World Cup.
Having endured frustration and hurt in one edition after another, the Proteas have yet another opportunity to win the most coveted title in world cricket, and the battle against Sri Lanka at Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday is another step towards ultimate glory.
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In the past, South Africa have often been called chokers for not getting their hands on the trophy despite looking like one of the best sides in the tournament, and inconsistent form is evident in this edition as well.
Captain AB de Villiers and his men have had fluctuating fortunes, twice scoring in excess of 400 runs in the six pool matches, but also losing two matches rather tamely – by 130 runs to India and then by 29 runs to Pakistan while chasing a small target.
And de Villiers, who personally has had a superb World Cup, scoring 417 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 144.29, is trying new things with his team, while accepting that it is his role to lead by example and make sure his team rallies around.
On the eve of the match against Sri Lanka, South Africa decided not to train, instead playing games and enjoying themselves.
“I’m really comfortable with where the team is at, with the form that everyone has shown,” said the captain. “I just felt it was important not to focus too much on cricket today, sort of get the brain switched off a little bit before the big clash on Wednesday.
They’re on the far side of the world, but they can feel the support from home! #ProteaFire #QuarterFinals pic.twitter.com/NGDv8pH1NX
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 16, 2015
“It’s important for us to be fresh. I believe we play really good cricket when we feel mentally fresh. That was our thinking, and I believe we are ready enough. I have full confidence in all the players to perform on Wednesday.”
De Villiers felt one of the things that could have gone wrong with the team of 2007 was that they ‘over-analysed’ everything. And while the players have discussed the past, he felt it was more important to focus on the present.
“Look, the guys are very aware of what’s happening, and where we are at in this tournament. Part of the reason why we took today off and just played a few games in the park and just had a good time and a laugh is because we know exactly what’s coming on Wednesday,” said de Villiers, who made the fastest 150 in ODI during this World Cup – an unbeaten 162 in 66 balls against the West Indies.
“It’s an important game. It’s exactly what we’ve been working for the last two to three years. It comes down to Wednesday and we are very prepared for this.
“I remember the 2007 tournament clearly still. I was very comfortable and confident about what we can achieve as a team then. It didn’t happen for us.
“I don’t like to break things down like that too much, but I think we actually over-analysed there, and there was too much chat the night before we played Australia.”
And de Villiers was under no doubt that it all started with him as the captain, and some of the senior players in the side.“I think it’s partly my responsibility as a captain to lead the way I want the boys to go out there, the way that I show energy together with a few senior players around me and the language we use, the things we do and the way we lead I think will make it easy for the rest of the guys to follow,” said the 31-year-old.
