South Africa will play India in the semifinal in Dubai or meet it in the final at the same venue, which excites wily Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj who is fully aware of the challenge of bowling against batters who dominate slow bowling.
The last Group A game between India and New Zealand, being played on Sunday in Dubai, will determine the semifinal lineups. If India win, they face Australia in Dubai on March 4, but if they lose they face South Africa in Dubai. And If they meet in the final, it will be a repeat of the T20 World Cup summit clash, and this time South Africa would like to end up on the winning side.
Maharaj said he was not bothered about the venue, but relishes the challenge of bowling against India. "I am really excited for myself and for the team to get to where we are today. For me, it is a good opportunity to play against the best team and meet the standards that you get to see. So I am looking forward to the challenge when it does come about," he aid while exclusively speaking to Telecom Asia Sport on Sunday.
South Africa thrashed England by seven wickets in a lopsided game in Karachi on Saturday, dismissing Jos Buttler's men for a paltry 179 before chasing down the target for the loss of just three wickets in 29.1 overs.
Maharaj believes he has to concentrate on his plans rather than bother about the Indian batters. "I think I have to look at my plans and how that works and be a step ahead of the batter, especially against a strong Indian batting unit. It doesn't matter who we meet in the semis. We need to execute our skills. The venue doesn't matter we just won the tournament."
However, Maharaj is unsure about the difference in the pitch conditions in Pakistan and Dubai. "Look, I have only played T20 cricket in Dubai so can't comment on the 50-over perspective. The pitch in Dubai does seem to help spinners. We played just one game in Karachi and that was seamer friendly. So yeah, very contrasting surfaces they are, so it's about assessing the conditions on the day."
Maharaj believes a bowler has to be a step ahead of the batter in terms of his thinking.
"With the way the game has evolved, you have to be a step ahead of the batter and utilise your skills, hit the right length consistently and do the right things."
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