The South African cricket team is finding it difficult when it comes to selection ahead of the fifth and final One-Day International against Pakistan at Newlands on Wednesday. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been added to the squad and could be included to get the balance of the Proteas 11 right.
The Proteas are under pressure to win the series which is level at 2 all, but also to get the balance of the team right with a World Cup looming.
Mulder might join the other all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in the starting 11 to strengthen the batting with Aiden Markram also possibly getting an opportunity.
Proteas Captain Faf du Plessis says that the Proteas have stepped up in series deciders in the past.
“In the last two years, we played really well in these sort of scenarios. Every time, when it has been a series decider, we as a team have stepped up. We are winning those games. That’s a huge plus point for me and hopefully, we will do the same against a very very strong team tomorrow.”
Pakistan thumped the Proteas in the last match at the Wanderers and will take a late of confidence into the series decider.
Pakistan Captain Shoaib Malik says that the first three batsmen are very important.
“If you win any game the confidence is always high, but the game is over now. Tomorrow is a new opportunity, new conditions, new ground; everything is different. We make plans and the execution of those plans are key; keep taking wickets and the first three batsmen are very important.”
The @ICC Cricket World Cup trophy is in town ? First stop is Cape Town ahead of the 5th ODI between the Proteas and Pakistan #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/TXny1DvX5H
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 29, 2019
Meanwhile, the ICC World Cup Trophy is on tour and in Cape Town.
Du Plessis says the team would do their best to win a maiden World Cup, but it won’t carry a heavy burden of expectation at the tournament in England and Wales.
“We are certainly going with a little bit less pressure with the expectations of winning. I think it’s pretty clear that England and India are the two favourites, but it’s a nice way for us as a team to go there.”
So, all to play for at Newlands with South Africa hoping they can once again turn it on at home when it counts the most.
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