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Christo Buchner
Johannesburg – The first cricket match between South Africa and Afghanistan on Wednesday night is of major interest to both sides for different reasons.
WIN the official Proteas playing shirt
The common goal is a place in the Super Eight phase of the World Twenty20 Tournament, but it appears to be a more realistic one for Graeme Smith’s team.
To be honest, these two sides do not belong on the same field in terms of their potential.
If South Africa lose, it will be the biggest upset to date. However, Afghanistan’s Pakistani coach, Kabir Khan, warns that they are out to turn the tournament on its head.
Allrounder Asghar Stanikzai says they have nothing to lose and that all the pressure will be on South Africa.
“We just want to enjoy this wonderful opportunity that we have been afforded to perform on this stage,” he told website cricinfo.com.
South African coach Corrie van Zyl was not impressed with his side’s defeat to India in their first game and that is why Afghanistan must not expect any mercy.
“Aggression will be the key and we want to win this game as convincingly as possible,” he said earlier this week.
There will be changes to the side that lost to India. Morné Morkel is set to get the chop for his mistake of bowling a no-ball at Suresh Raina when he offered a catch early in his innings.
Charl Langeveldt should return if he’s declared fit, while Rory Kleinveldt may also lose his place.
Spinner Johan Botha also deserves a chance, but it remains to be seen whether the decision will be taken to use two spinners.
The batting order may also be changed, with Loots Bosman possibly sitting out. Smith and Jacques Kallis may open, with Herschelle Gibbs at No 3.
The teams are:
Suid-Afrika (from): Graeme Smith (capt), Jacques Kallis, Loots Bosman, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Juan Theron, Roelof van der Merwe.
Afghanistan (from): Nawroz Mangal (capt), Mohammad Nabi, Karim Sadiq, Mirwais Ashraf, Rais Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shahzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shinwari, Noor Ali, Asghar Stanikzai, Shahpoor Zadran, Shabir Noori, Sayed Nasrat, Shafiq Shafaq.
TV: 22h30 on SuperSport 2.
Johannesburg – The first cricket match between South Africa and Afghanistan on Wednesday night is of major interest to both sides for different reasons.
WIN the official Proteas playing shirt
The common goal is a place in the Super Eight phase of the World Twenty20 Tournament, but it appears to be a more realistic one for Graeme Smith’s team.
To be honest, these two sides do not belong on the same field in terms of their potential.
If South Africa lose, it will be the biggest upset to date. However, Afghanistan’s Pakistani coach, Kabir Khan, warns that they are out to turn the tournament on its head.
Allrounder Asghar Stanikzai says they have nothing to lose and that all the pressure will be on South Africa.
“We just want to enjoy this wonderful opportunity that we have been afforded to perform on this stage,” he told website cricinfo.com.
South African coach Corrie van Zyl was not impressed with his side’s defeat to India in their first game and that is why Afghanistan must not expect any mercy.
“Aggression will be the key and we want to win this game as convincingly as possible,” he said earlier this week.
There will be changes to the side that lost to India. Morné Morkel is set to get the chop for his mistake of bowling a no-ball at Suresh Raina when he offered a catch early in his innings.
Charl Langeveldt should return if he’s declared fit, while Rory Kleinveldt may also lose his place.
Spinner Johan Botha also deserves a chance, but it remains to be seen whether the decision will be taken to use two spinners.
The batting order may also be changed, with Loots Bosman possibly sitting out. Smith and Jacques Kallis may open, with Herschelle Gibbs at No 3.
The teams are:
Suid-Afrika (from): Graeme Smith (capt), Jacques Kallis, Loots Bosman, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Juan Theron, Roelof van der Merwe.
Afghanistan (from): Nawroz Mangal (capt), Mohammad Nabi, Karim Sadiq, Mirwais Ashraf, Rais Ahmadzai, Dawlat Ahmadzai, Mohammad Shahzad, Hamid Hassan, Samiullah Shinwari, Noor Ali, Asghar Stanikzai, Shahpoor Zadran, Shabir Noori, Sayed Nasrat, Shafiq Shafaq.
TV: 22h30 on SuperSport 2.
