Batting second has been a problem for South Africa: Aakash Chopra

Hosting JioCinema’s daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI,’ Aakash Chopra believes that South Africa faces problems when batting second. “South Africa lost their last match by a huge margin, batting second has been a problem for them. While chasing, they have lost against the Netherlands and India. The only time they won when chasing, was against Pakistan but that wasn't an easy match either.

South Africa is in the second spot but while chasing, their strengths are reduced by half. They would want to go to the semis with a win, but will they have the courage to win the toss and bowl first? I am not too sure about that.”

Chopra also spoke about Afghanistan’s chances of qualifying for the semis and their overall performance in the World Cup. “Afghanistan on the other hand, can go on to play the semis if they defeat South Africa by 438 runs and hence their journey to the semi-finals is also more or less over. Their journey in this World Cup has been phenomenal but Glenn Maxwell's knock in the last match ended their hopes. They will be holding their heads high with the way that they have performed in this tournament. However, South Africa will start as favourites in this match.”

South Africa have had a great run in the ongoing World Cup so far, winning six out of the total eight matches. Their first loss came against the Netherlands in a huge upset, while they went down against in-form India later in the tournament. Sitting at the second spot in the points table, they are set to play the second World Cup semi-final against Australia on November 16th. While South Africa's strength has been batting first in the tournament, it remains to be seen if they can turn the tables while chasing the target in crucial fixture ahead.