The ICC Champions trophy takes place in South Africa starting on the 22nd September.
It involves the top 8 sides in the one day game and consists of two pools of 4. From these 2 pools, 2 sides move into the semis and then the final.
South Africa are scheduled to play their pool matches at Supersport park, Centurion. They have not lost a one day international there in 5 years. In fact they have won 71% of the games they have played there. It’s a ground they are familiar with and enjoy. Opposition watch out.
The other venue being used is the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg. Both venues are on the highveld, so expect plenty of sixes with the slightly thinner atmosphere.
The proteas will be well rested, have had some intense training sessions, and will be very keen to finally win their second ICC competition after their lone success n 1998. They must be favoured with an experienced squad on their home turf.
The Australians have had mixed success in recent times, but coming off a one-sided series against England, they’ll have the Aussie arrogance and expectation back. They remain extremely dangerous, and if they gather any early momentum, the opposition should be very wary.
Other potential semi-finalists include the big guns from the sub-continent. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have all been playing very well lately and will be dangerous. India without Sehwag at the top of the order may struggle in the batting, but all three of these sides have minimal weaknesses.
The dark horse may be New Zealand, who have won this tournament before in 2000/01. Their biggest weakness appears to be their largely inexperienced batting lineup. England and the West Indies look set to make up the numbers at this stage, and they’d have to play out of their skins to even make the semis.
I’m looking forward to a strongly contested competition, but finally I think it’s time for the Proteas to become a dominant force in major competitions. A victory here will show they deserve to be ranked as the number 1 side.
SA need to win to clear all doubts that they are the best ranked ODI side in the world. They’ll face stiff competition from Australia and India as the race for no.1 hots up.
Having said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan will fancy their chances too. New Zealand always play above potential and the best they can hope is to get to the semis. Don’t see them getting farther than that.
West Indies? We don’t know which team will show up yet. So, less said the better.
You have a nice blog here. Will be following your cricket works from now on Sanjay.
Hi Goutham,
Thanks for your comments. I agree with you, but don’t think New Zealand is a serious contendor with their batting.
The sub-continent sides are always good, but the way they play they can be slightly unpredictable.
I think for South Africa if we don’t win here, the doubts will remain and grow even stronger. I know the side doesn’t like the term “chokers’ but I said after the 20/20 we did indeed choke. I can handle any side winning just as long as it isn’t Australia!