Kallis says South Africa cannot afford to lose any more matches
Former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis said to take advantage of India’s first game nerves in their upcoming match tomorrow at Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.
“It doesn’t get any easier though against India but it’s their first game and our third, so maybe that could give us the edge we need. They’ve not played for a week and maybe they’ll be some first game nerves, where as we are settled,” said Kallis in a column posted in International Cricket Council (ICC).
This comes after the Proteas lost their first and second match in ICC Cricket World Cup against England and Bangladesh. Kallis stated that the team will be under a lot of pressure facing match favourites India on their next match.
“It’s disappointing and frustrating and there is lots of pressure on the next game, otherwise the tournament could be over before it has really started for South Africa,” said Kallis. “We’ve got to play all our cards and we can’t afford any more silly mistakes at vital stages—these are the best sides in the world and they’ll always punish you.”
Kallis continued that there is no margin for error in the tournament, especially since all the teams playing are the best in the world.
“Strange things happen in this sport and if we can get a win then I think we can go on a streak and we are still good enough to be a contender. There will be no margin for error though. I think you’ll need six wins, maybe five with a really good run rate, to finish in the top four, so South Africa almost need to win every game they will play,” continued Kallis.
“The injury to Lungi Ngidi certainly didn’t help Faf, he’s a world-class player and a big part of our attack. You’ve got to play Dale Steyn against India now, and hopefully he is close to fitness,” wrote Kallis about pacer Ngidi’s hamstring strain.
