Another opportunity to break the curse

Having underperformed in the business-end of global tournaments, South Africa will seek redemption.

For a team with the best track record in Twenty20 cricket, South Africa’s below-par performance in the short history of the World T20 championship has been an enigma.

A formidable side otherwise — it has a match-win ratio of around 60 per cent outside the premier event — the best the Proteas have managed is just two semifinal appearances (England, 2009 and Dhaka, 2014).

Yet, every time the African nation falters in the final stages of an ICC tournament, several headlines question the quality of fibre South Africa is made of. Critics who love to use the chokers' tag will be eagerly waiting to underscore their point in the sixth edition of the World T20 as well.

Track record2007: Round two 2009: semifinal 2010: Round two 2012: Round two 2014: Semifinal

The biggest challenge for the star-studded World No. 2 will be to get rid of the infamous label hanging around it for too long.

South Africa’s key to success has been its balanced squad. It has some sizzling stroke players like A.B. de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis, followed by competent finishers such as the hard-hitting David Miller and the solid Farhaan Behardien.

The squad gains immensely from the presence of accomplished all-rounders in Jean-Paul Duminy, Chris Morris and David Wiese.

Overall

Played	26
Won	16
Lost	10

In bowling, it has the wherewithal to snuff the life out of any opposition. The fiery Dale Steyn, making a comeback after an injury, has the experience to handle himself well and be effective.

The talented young pacer Kagiso Rabada, the accurate Kyle Abbott and the combative leg-spinner Imran Tahir are big assets.

Known for their exceptional fielding skills too, du Plessis’s men are a complete unit and will be top contenders for the title.

FixturesMarch 18: v England| Mumbai March 20: v Qualifier| Mumbai March 25: v West Indies| Nagpur March 28: v Sri Lanka| New Delhi

South Africa’s awesome form, evident from its triumph in three out of its last four series (excluding the ongoing one against Australia), will provide an extra ounce of confidence to the side.

Ample exposure to Indian conditions, either through the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the longest-ever series played here last year, will be an added advantage. The way the team quickly acclimatised itself to outplay the host in the T20 series would be a point to ponder for the rest.

South Africa, which whitewashed England in a recent home series, will be keen to take that story forward when they meet on March 18.

X-Factor When A.B. de Villers walks out to bat, fans suspend team loyalties and brace up for some lively action. With a bat in hand, he is an entertainer-par-excellence who knows when to switch gears. Clean hitting and ruthless hammering of the bowlers come naturally to the great South African who has the capability to win a contest single-handedly. With a strike rate of around 129, de Villiers will be a key figure in South Africa’s quest for glory.