Saffers favorites!!

Today it’s the first semi-final between South Africa and Pakistan. As per my memory suggests, the two teams haven’t clashed with each other in any major world cup since 1999. And till then its Saffers who edge past Pakistan easily. 1992, 1996 and 1999. So SA has a boogey over the Pakistanis. I don’t see that result being changed tonite. If Pakistan have Umar Gul, Saffers have Parnell and Steyn along with Albie Morkel. If Pakistan have Ajmal then Saffers have Botha, Duminy and VanDeMerve. If Pakistan have Spinach Razzaq, Saffers have Jacques Kallis who turned around his T20 fortunes, thanks IPL 2. Graeme Smith, Gibbs, AB, Kallis, Duminy certainly sound heavier than Butt / new kid, Younis, Afridi , Akamal, Misbah. But then this is Pakistan for you. Let me say this is not 1992 for them. The quality of that team isn’t just there in this team. Imran, Inzy, Wasim and Mushtaq were a class apart. Not to forget the Six-man Javed Miandad.

Saffers have had a great season this and a T20 world champs win would just ensure them a great capping off. Isnt it? Pakistan haven’t actually done anything great to suggest that they deserve to win this trophy this time except beating Ireland (their 2007 bogey), Netherlands and moaning Kiwis. Contrast that to SA who have now beaten Scotland, New Zealand, England, West Indies and outgoing champions India. Blame it to the format of the tournament or whatever, if Pakistan go through to the finals, they wont be the deserving champs. Though it would do a hell lot of good to the embattled country lacking the cricket and something good to cheer them up. But then do they have the ability to stop the Saffers on roll ?