No split loyalty in today’s match

Former South African plans Kiwi upset in the third quarter-final.

DHAKA:

South Africa must beware one of their own when Graeme Smith’s power-packed team clashes with New Zealand in the quarter-final today.

Former pace spearhead Allan Donald, who claimed 330 Test and 272 One-Day International (ODI) wickets for South Africa, will help to plot the Proteas downfall as New Zealand’s bowling coach.

Donald, 44, who is working alongside coach John Wright, said he was delighted that the Black Caps were facing South Africa in the day-night match.

Past record favours the Kiwis

Donald reminded his former team that New Zealand have won three of their five World Cup meetings against them, including a five-wicket win in the 2007 edition.

“We’re confident and know that we can beat South Africa and I know most of our players are delighted that we are playing against them,” said Donald. “On paper, they may be the favourites but we have a superior record in major tournaments.”

South Africa go in as  favourites

South Africa go into the quarter-final as Group B winners with five victories in six matches, while New Zealand finished fourth in Group A with four wins from their matches.

But Donald, said past performances counted for little in sudden-death situations.

“The thought that your World Cup will be over if you slip up just once is enough to make everybody nervous,” he said.

“The team that wins will be the one that handles pressure the best.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2011.