Wellington – Rilee Rossouw and Farhaan Behardienlook set for a straight shoot-out to claim the extra batting spot for South Africa’s quarter-final next week.
The Proteas clinched their place in the last eight of the World Cup through the help of both Rossouw and Behardien in the comfortable 146-run victory over the United Arab Emirates yesterday here at the Regional Stadium.
Rossouw struck a breezy 43 off 48 balls, while Behardien finally showed what he is capable of at the backend of the innings with a fluent undefeated 64 off just 31 balls (5x4, 3x6) to provide South Africa’s innings with the momentum they required to post a total that was always going to be out of the UAE’s reach.
After playing in three games already in this World Cup, but only having the opportunity to bat once when he played the supporting role to a rampant AB de Villiers at the SCG against the West Indies, the 31-year-old would have been desperate to show off his “finishing” ability.
“It’s a good thing to know that players are in form. That gives us a good headache,” South Africa captain De Villiers said.
“They’re two completely different players. Rilee is more in the top order, very attacking, where Farhaan is more of a finisher, likes to assess the conditions and the situations really well, and he gives us a few overs with the ball.”
The Proteas’ likely quarter-final opponents are Sri Lanka who are currently second in Pool A, which would mean a return trip to the SCG. De Villiers believes the venue of the quarter-final could play a big role in the ultimate decision.
“Looks like we’re going to Sydney. We’re not sure about that yet, but we’ll look at the conditions, what we’ll be up against and the situation we’ll be confronted with, what kind of team we’re playing, and then we’ll make that call,” De Villiers explained.
“If all of them are fit, it’s a difficult call. I think because of the fact that most of our batters are in good form, it’ll probably come down to Farhaan and Rilee. It’s a tough call, but that’s probably where we’re heading.”
Both batsmen have recent good experiences at the SCG. Rossouw provided the initial impetus in the earlier Pool B clash against the Windies when he blitzed a 39-ball 61, while Behadien too struck 63 off only 41 balls against a much stronger Australian attack there last year. - The Star