Good fielding can take South Africa up the ladder of success

By A.C De Silva

South Africa with many cricketers in their side possessing the ever capable factor De Villiers and Steyn, the best examples - and bolstered by sharp fielding, the team is Truly a dominant force. It is a well rounded squad with depth and ammunition, and has in Hashim Amla a calm individuals at the top of the order.

Ranked third in the ICC's list leaded by Australia, South Africa hovers just one point (113) below the second-placed India (114). it could well upset that order and climb all the way up.

The South Africa that takes the field in a do-or-die clash in an ICC event is far removed from the South Africa that duels in a bilateral series.

Ever since its readmission to cricket, the most tragic flaw that has plagued the Proteas is the implosion under pressure, especially in the key fixtures.

That mental chink has to be ironed out immediately, else, tales of despair may be revisited.

Winning the World Cup is the best way to silence the critics and former players, who always point to the fragility in the South African ranks at critical times in the past.

In De Villiers, the squad has a captain who believes that nothing is impossible even when confronted by steep targets. If that optimism seeps into the team, South Africa would be well served.

Placed in Pool B, South Africa has to contend with defending champion India as well as counter a maverick team like Pakistan.

Even the West Indies, with Chris Gayle in its ranks, cannot be discounted. If all three rivals can be humbled, South Africa will step into the knock-outs with added zest.

South Africa also will have to guard against complacency in its matches against Zimbabwe and Ireland, dangerous on their day.

Cynics, however, will sum up South Africa's biggest threat in one word - choking.

Think South Africa in the World Cup and heart-breaks lamber into view. The team always promised to fulfil its potential before succumbing at the business end.

It came to such a pass that rivals presumed all they needed was a dash of pressure to send the proteas down defeat's dark alley.

In the 2011 World Cup, it was South Africa which humbled the host and eventual champion, India, in a gripping match at Nagpur. But, even the tournament gathered momentum and hurtled towards its climax, the team failed to last the course.

In a quarterfinal that the then captain Graeme Smith would want to forget, New Zealand mustered 221 and South Africa could manage only 172 in reply.