Twitterati sense South Africa’s triumph in Cape Town courtesy the historic ‘438’ connection

South Africa started their Test series versus England in a convincing manner. Faf du Plessis and Co emerged victorious at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Now, the hosts are in with a great chance of toppling their opponent at the Newlands in Cape Town. However, for the same to happen, the Proteas have to chase down a mammoth 438 with a solitary day left in the encounter.

At the close of play on the fourth day, South Africa still need 312 runs with eight wickets left. Zubayr Hamza and night-watchman Keshav Maharaj are in the middle. The hosts’ batting has depth with Kagiso Rabada slotted to come at number 10. Hence, barring some batting collapse, Du Plessis’ men will fancy their chances of getting over the line and take a crucial 2-0 lead in the series.

Fans believe in South Africa

Amidst the excitement, the fans and even some veterans can sense something extraordinary in story. The reason behind it is the target of 438, the same target which Australia set South Africa during the historic ODI in Johannesburg. March 12, 2006- A day when the Proteas chased the colossal target in a 50-overs game at the Wanderers and took a number of records apart.

Ricky Ponting’s century nearly sealed the fate of the game after the first-half. But the likes of Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs had other ideas. Even as Smith gout out in the 90s, the latter smashed a ton to keep South Africa in the game. In the dying stages of the encounter, Mark Boucher scored a well-compiled half-century to see South Africa over the finishing line.

Nathan Bracken picked a fifer, but couldn’t stop the home team from scripting glory in the last over the epic clash. Coming to the ongoing Test, the Proteas still have their skipper Du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock in the bank as their specialist batters.

Therefore, even small, yet handy contributions can get the Proteas near. Twitterati definitely believes that since South Africa had chased 438 in 50 overs, a full day’s play in Test cricket shouldn’t bother them much.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Had SA chased 438 to win before? 😱

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 6, 2020

If the Proteas can chase 438 in 50 overs, surely they can chase it in 4 sessions 😃

— Jacques Rudolph (@Jacques_Rudolph) January 6, 2020

If they don’t overthink to much there’s every chance.. why not🤷‍♂️

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) January 6, 2020

Easy now bru 🤣😉

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) January 6, 2020

All 3 results a possibility at Newlands! Excited to watch our boys fight their way through the next 2 days #ProteaFire

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 6, 2020

SA always do well when they chase 438 as their target.

Just saying #YouRemember

— Siddharth (@sidd_june) January 6, 2020

438 is a magic number in the South African cricket history. #SAvENG

— SBUSISO (@Sbusiso__) January 6, 2020

Who ever in the English camp decided to declare on 438 is secretly a Proteas fan#ProteaFire #SAvsEng

— Vee Gordon (@VeeGordie) January 6, 2020

Kallis famously quoted – 438 , they are probably 20 runs short … Boucher & Kallis in dressing room . #ChaseOn #SAvENG

— Ranjit Jha @jhajee (@RanjitJ17645795) January 6, 2020

Slightly disappointed that neither of these openers wants to take on the Boeta Dippenaar role in this 438 chase.

— Sean Wilson (@SimplySean_) January 6, 2020