Klusener: I can’t see Proteas reaching World Cup semi-finals
Former all-rounder Lance Klusener has revealed why he doesn’t believe the Proteas will make it to the business end of the World Cup.
The Proteas opened their World Cup campaign with an impressive win over Sri Lanka, while they will next take on Australia this Thursday, 12 October, in Lucknow. That match will get under way from 10:30am. Speaking exclusively to Online Cricket Betting, South Africa legend Lance Klusener has revealed he doubts the Proteas will make it to the semi finals, suggesting they are unlikely to consistently score enough runs in the competition.
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“I’m not sure if South Africa will get out of the group stages. I think if they get to the semi finals, they will have needed to have consistently scored enough runs in the competition. That is the challenge for them. I’m not too sure they’ll reach the semi finals.
“I think Australia will be there in the semi finals and maybe finals but I’m not so sure that South Africa will go as far as the semi finals but let’s see and let’s hope so. Can South Africa as a group consistently score an excess of 300 consistently in the competition against good teams,” he added.
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ROOM FOR PROTEAS TO SPRING A SURPRISE?
Klusener, who so nearly led the Proteas to World Cup glory in 1999, did admit there was the possibility the current team could defy the odds despite his doubts.
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“South Africa seem to never get over the line in big competitions due to bad luck, or down to rain, or bad running or whatever reason, but I’m sure at some point they will. Maybe this year when no one really, certainly not me, is giving them much of a chance, maybe they’ll surprise us all, which would be fantastic!”
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ACCORDING TO KLUSENER
– Winner?
Subcontinent team; India, Pakistan
– Runners up?
India, Pakistan
– Dark horses?
South Africa
– Last 4?
New Zealand, Australia, India, Pakistan
– Last 2?
India, Pakistan
– Leading run scorer?
Virat Kohli
– Leading wicket taker?
Who knows? Keshav Maharaj
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