A win over India this weekend ought to see the Proteas avoiding the hosts in the semi-finals.
While they’re gearing up for his or her largest match up to now on the Cricket World Cup, in-form batter Quinton de Kock says South Africa are usually not permitting the magnitude of their fixture in opposition to India to place them below extreme strain.
The Proteas will face the unbeaten hosts in Kolkata on Sunday, and although either side will already be trying forward to the semi-finals, the results of the match might be vital.
A victory for the SA workforce wouldn’t solely give them one other main confidence enhance, nevertheless it ought to guarantee they end among the many prime two on the log, which might see them avoiding title favourites India in the semi-finals.
“Since the first game we have been focusing on ourselves and just trying to be the best Proteas team we can be,” De Kock mentioned yesterday.
“Obviously we’ve got a big game on Sunday (tomorrow) so we’ll sit down and go through the usual processes we follow before every game from a strategic point of view, and we’ll look at the Indian team to see how we can beat them. But they are obviously a strong unit and it is a big game.”
By sticking to their basics, De Kock felt they might give themselves their greatest probability of handing India their first defeat of the event.
“We’re trying not to overthink things or reinvent the wheel,” he mentioned.
“We’re just trying to do the simple things really well. I think that’s been one of the key things to us being quite successful.”
Still retiring
De Kock was displaying the type of his life, having scored 545 runs in seven innings on the World Cup (together with 4 centuries). But his current performances had achieved little to make him rethink his determination to retire from ODI cricket after the event.
He admitted there was a slim probability, however the 30-year-old opener insisted he was unlikely to change his thoughts.
“I think I’m set on my decision and I think it’s the end of my 50-over career,” he mentioned.
“There have been one or two phrases mentioned to me that I ought to give it some thought however I don’t assume it’s going to occur.
“You by no means know. Strange issues occur in life and there might be a chance however I don’t assume so.
“There are some good youngsters coming through and they will probably take my spot as soon as I leave.”
For now, nonetheless, De Kock was happy to have the option to play a senior position in the Proteas squad at his final 50-over World Cup, as they went in search of their first international title.
“It’s probably my last one so I’m just trying to give it my all and help everyone out where I can,” he mentioned.
Sunday’s match between South Africa and India, being performed at Eden Gardens, begins at 10.30am.
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