Sneak preview: South Africa

I still have a soft corner for this team for the way their World cup campaigns have ended in general - the ridiculous rain rule in 1992 which changed 22(!3) balls required to 22(1); the unbelievable Zulu hitting and Donald run out in 1999 and the D/L calculation and Boucher's stupidity in 2003. However, they have made some significant changes to the squad after that and are the leading ODI team at least according to the ICC rankings, thanks mainly to their string of victories over India and Pakistan at home.

They have a really balanced playing 11, that played on a regular basis against Pakistan (AB Devillers, Smith, Kallis, Gibbs, Prince, Kemp, Boucher, Pollock, Hall, Ntini and Nel). Langeveldt is an able substitute for Nel, who has a propensity of breaking down often. But its the other three that raise an eyebrow or two - Bosnon, Peterson and Telemachus, despite what coach Arthur has to say. Therefore, the key to their success lies in the core playing 12 not breaking down with any injuries. As always they have a good mix of all rounders and bat very deep with Kemp at 6, Boucher at 7, Polly at 8 and Hall at 9. They should be in a position to chase down any target with that lineup. Kallis and Prince also provide good stability among hard hitting batsmen.

I am backing Shaun Pollock to come good on the slow pitches in West Indies with his teasing line and length. Ntini will remain the main wicket taking option and a lot will depend on how well Hall, Nell and Langeveldt adapt to conditions that may not be conducive to swing bowling. Kallis, Kemp and Smith are more than capable of sharing 10 overs between them. And fielding is no issue too with live wires like DeVillers and Gibbs. So, overall they make a well balanced team.

Prediction: Should make the semifinals barring any major injuries

Game to watch out for: The game against Australia in the preliminary stage. This really has to be the game of the first segment of this world cup. There is so much at stake with RSA displacing Aus from the top of the rankings and Aus having a chance to claim it back. So, don't go anywhere on the 22nd of March.