South Africa will feel less pressure

When South Africa reached the 1992 semifinals, the public expected them to win. They couldnt break the semi final jinx.

Now this S A team can feel relaxed, as the public are not too sure, after their patchy performances.

The Australians and South Africans revolutioned one day cricket and SA rose to become one of the most feared teams, with their brilliant fielding, running in between the wickets, batting and fast bowling.

They have always lost at the semifinals. In 1996, the team led by Cronje and coach Bob Woolmer, established themselves as favourites in India and Pakistan, and were beaten by the Windies. They were still powerful in 1999, when Australia snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Aussies were in the dumps, when Gibbs floored a catch off S Waugh. Waugh just looked at Gibbs and said " You have just dropped the World Cup, my son ".

This is the jinx they have to overcome, a powerful team coming to the semis and then losing in the semis. Can they overcome this jinx during this World Cup ?

In 2007 again, they reached the semis, only to be beaten by a formidable Aussie team.

The previous SA had great allrounders, L Kluesner, Kallis and Shaun Pollock. The present team has only Kallis !

Previous SA had great fielders like Jonty Rhodes. Now the present team cannot boast of such fielders and overall the fielding had slackened.

So less pressure on SA. Will they emulate the 1983 Indian team, which had least pressure?

Australia today gave a warning to all drubbing England 6-1. All teams have taken note of this warning. No team dare take the Kangaroos slightly. But one must say that the present Aussie team is less strong than the 2007 team !