Former captain Graeme Smith has attributed South Africa's success in the ongoing World Cup to their formidable middle order, labelling it as one of the most destructive line-ups in the team's history. He also emphasised the need for current skipper Temba Bavuma to take charge and lead the team to their maiden World Cup triumph.
Expressing his initial reservations, Smith acknowledged the team's unexpected ruthlessness, highlighting their consistent and dominant performances that have positioned them as strong contenders for the coveted title.
In his words to PTI, Smith remarked, "Like everybody else, my expectations were lower going into the tournament. I knew that if the team was going to do well, there were certain players who had to have a good tournament — and that has happened."
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Praising the devastating middle-order, consisting of Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller at positions 4, 5, and 6, Smith underlined their exceptional power-hitting capabilities and proficiency against spin bowling as a significant asset for the team's success.
"South Africa has a really destructive middle order. I would probably say one of South Africa’s most destructive middle-order ever — with Nos 4, 5 and 6, (Aiden) Markram, (Heinrich) Klaasen and (David) Miller — you have got players that have incredible power and destructive ability. They all play spin well, that is a huge asset," he added.
The former skipper attributed the team's ability to achieve formidable totals, including three 400-plus scores, to their freedom in batting, asserting the importance of maintaining this approach going into the critical semifinal matches against Afghanistan, New Zealand, and India.
"They are building up to some big games, against Afghanistan, New Zealand and India. Hopefully, they can maintain the freedom (with which) they have been playing with,” said Smith, who is also the league commissioner of SA20.
Acknowledging the contributions of captain Bavuma, white ball coach Rob Walter, and the senior players, Smith underscored the importance of Bavuma delivering strong performances both as a batsman and as a leader. "I know what it is like. He (Bavuma) is batting, he is captaining... off-the-field stuff, and his tactical stuff on the field is going to be the key. He is carrying a lot, he has been in the job for a period of time," Smith said.
"He has had the downs, he has had the ups and he has got enough experience now to be able to do the job really well. There seems to be a great spirit within the squad, that is a testimony to him and Rob Walter (the coach) and all the senior players for how the squad is playing.
"I would love to see, at this stage in the tournament, (Bavuma to) step up with the bat, make really good decisions and he certainly has the opportunity to do that. The world is yours, you have got yourself in this position now, you have pretty much qualified for the semifinals now, lots to look forward to."
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