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South Africa captain Temba Bavuma admitted Googling a word about Pakistan cricket team. He said that he was so stunned by seeing Pakistan described as “mercurial” that he had to “Google the word” out of respect for his opponents ahead of their World Cup clash. South Africa and Pakistan are set to take each other in ICC World Cup on Friday (October 27) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
“I saw a comment that described Pakistan as mercurial,” said Bavuma during a pre-match conference on the eve of the game. “I had to Google the word, but it spoke about how a team can be good one day and not so good the next.
“So, we want to make sure that when they’re good, we are so good as well.”
Bavuma is wary of the challenge posed by Pakistan as South Africa’s last win in ODI World Cups against Pakistan came in 1999. Pakistan have won six of the last 10 meetings with South Africa including by 49 runs when they met at Lord’s in the 2019 World Cup.
South Africa comes as favourites in the game
However, South Afica comes as favourites in the current game. Pakistan, the 1992 champions, have hit a roadblock at the World Cup with their opening two wins followed by three one-sided defeats to arch-rivals India, Australia and then to neighbours Afghanistan. South Africa, on the other hand, have shaken off a shock loss to the Netherlands and have four wins to put them in sight of the semi-finals.
Despite struggling in all three departments, Bavuma said Pakistan cannot be written off.
“Before the tournament I had them as one of the top four teams at the end of the group stages. So that’s the amount of respect that you have for Pakistan.”
Known for falling at crucial stages of international tournaments, a habit that has earned them the tag of “chokers,” Bavuma hopes South Africa’s recent performances can change the narrative.
“I don’t think it’s given us any extra motivation to be honest,” said Bavuma.
“I think we probably looked at ways as to how we can maybe divert our attention away, not necessarily using the chokers tag, but how do we address and deal with the expectation.”
(With agency inputs)
“I saw a comment that described Pakistan as mercurial,” said Bavuma during a pre-match conference on the eve of the game. “I had to Google the word, but it spoke about how a team can be good one day and not so good the next.
“So, we want to make sure that when they’re good, we are so good as well.”
Bavuma is wary of the challenge posed by Pakistan as South Africa’s last win in ODI World Cups against Pakistan came in 1999. Pakistan have won six of the last 10 meetings with South Africa including by 49 runs when they met at Lord’s in the 2019 World Cup.
South Africa comes as favourites in the game
However, South Afica comes as favourites in the current game. Pakistan, the 1992 champions, have hit a roadblock at the World Cup with their opening two wins followed by three one-sided defeats to arch-rivals India, Australia and then to neighbours Afghanistan. South Africa, on the other hand, have shaken off a shock loss to the Netherlands and have four wins to put them in sight of the semi-finals.
Despite struggling in all three departments, Bavuma said Pakistan cannot be written off.
“Before the tournament I had them as one of the top four teams at the end of the group stages. So that’s the amount of respect that you have for Pakistan.”
Known for falling at crucial stages of international tournaments, a habit that has earned them the tag of “chokers,” Bavuma hopes South Africa’s recent performances can change the narrative.
“I don’t think it’s given us any extra motivation to be honest,” said Bavuma.
“I think we probably looked at ways as to how we can maybe divert our attention away, not necessarily using the chokers tag, but how do we address and deal with the expectation.”
(With agency inputs)
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