World Cup team profile: South Africa

World Cup history
The Proteas have provided their fans with ample frustration over the years, always starting the event as favourites but never once reaching the final. They have never been able to advance past the semis, earning their infamous 'choker' tag.
The year 1999 was heartbreaking for the Proteas, as they finished top of their group and advanced to the Super Sixes. Once there, they lost two out of five games, and thus went into the semi-finals in third place. There, they tied with Australia on 213 all, when Allan Donald was run out in the final over, strying to sneak a single with two balls to spare.
This year they have a very strong batting line up, and a trio of top pacemen, and if ever they were going to win it and get their maiden ICC trophy, it would be now. They will be concerned about the second tier though, with bat and ball, and will hope none of their premier players get injured.
Best finish: 3rd – 1999
Squad: AB de Villiers (capt), Hashim Amla (vice-capt), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn
Key Batsman: Skipper AB de Villiers is the number one ODI batsman and will be one of the players everyone will be watching keenly. His recent demolition of the ODI century record propelled him into the spotlight again, and the Proteas will be relying on him for the runs. His ODI average is more than 52 and his last 10 knocks saw him pass fifty five times.
Key Bowler: As with the batting, the Proteas also boast the best ODI bowler in the world (of those that will be at the World Cup, as the top two, Ajmal and Narine, are absent). Dale Steyn is the scourge of top and tail orders, and the decks in this contest will suit him well. Aside from Mitchell Johnson, he will be the most feared bowler at the tournament.
Drinks carrier: With the decks catering mostly to fast bowling, spinner Aaron Phangiso is likely to miss out on a few games as picking two spinners is unlikely. With Imran Tahir finding form at the right time, Phangiso may not feature against the major teams. Paceman Kyle Abbott may also not feature as much as he'd hope.
Kit colour: Green and yellow
Injury concerns: Nothing pressing, but the physios will keep an eye on Quinton de Kock, who only recently recovered from an ankle injury. JP Duminy will also be careful to keep his knee in good condition. Vernon Philander had a slight groin niggle prior to the trip, but is thought to be fine now.
Fixtures
Feb 15 – v Zimbabwe, Seddon Park, Hamilton
Feb 22 – v India, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Feb 27 – v West Indies, Sydney Cricket Ground
Mar 3 – v Ireland, Manuka Oval, Canberra
Mar 7 – v Pakistan, Eden Park, Auckland
Mar 12 – v UAE, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Latest
-
News
Elgar relieved Proteas on top despite ‘very very under par’ total
South Africa opener Dean Elgar was relieved the Proteas find themselves in a good position in the first Test against Pakistan.
-
News
Rotation, rotation, rotation – Chris Silverwood stands by selection policy
England will continue resting players this winter in a bid to combat challenging Covid restrictions.
-
News
Rahane happy to fill in for Kohli, but ‘Virat is the captain’
Ajinkya Rahane impressed when he skippered India to a dramatic 2-1 series win against Australia earlier this month.
-
News
England spinner Jack Leach extends Somerset stay
The news comes days after Leach helped England secure a Test series win in Sri Lanka.
-
News
Q & A: How will Joe Root’s England fare against Virat Kohli’s India?
Having beaten Sri Lanka, the tourists face a step up in quality with a four-Test trip to India.
-
News
A closer look as England claim fifth-successive overseas Test victory
The last time England achieved such a sequence was when they came from behind to defeat Australia 4-1 in the 1912-13 Ashes.
-
News
The stats that show Joe Root is on track to become England’s record Test run-scorer
The captain is now up to fourth on England’s all-time list
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 4: England sweep series with devastating display
Joe Root’s side had spent most of the first three days chasing the game in this second Test but made their move emphatically on Monday.
-
News
Joe Root urges England to ‘stay hungry’ after clinching Sri Lanka series win
The England captain wants his players to carry the form into the India series.
-
News
Jos Buttler: Everyone can learn something from watching Joe Root play spin
England’s captain scored another Test century in Galle.