Sa vs nz semifinal: Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that South Africa’s team has ‘slightly more skills and strength’ than New Zealand, which will lead to winning in the semi -finals of the Champions Trophy.
However, he said that if players like Kane Williamson are successful in scoring runs, then things can be easy for New Zealand. New Zealand is reaching knockout after a major defeat against India in Dubai, while the South Africa group is in excellent form after a big win of seven wickets against England in the stage.
Ponting said on the ‘ICC Review’ that South Africa is heavy due to strong batting order like India. This former veteran said, “If I compare both teams, I think South Africa’s team is a little ahead in terms of skill. Their batting order is long and I think they will be more contestants of winning against New Zealand.
He said, “I praise New Zealand but I would like to bet on South Africa on the victory contender.” This former Australian captain said, “New Zealand’s top -order batsman Williamson will have to play an important role in this match as every team depends on its big players for guidance in important matches.”
He said, “I think Williamson needs to score runs in this match. Big matches mean big names. The Champions Trophy cannot be bigger than the semi -finals. Williamson is a player of big matches, he will understand the seriousness of his role before going to the match and I will not be surprised if he completes his work.
Williamson had failed against Pakistan (one) and Bangladesh (five) but returned to the last match against India with an innings of 81 off 120 balls. Ponting said players like openers Ryan Ryon Ricelton, captain Tempa Bavuma, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Heinrich Klassen can create difficulties for New Zealand bowlers.
He said, “He (Klassen) is very important because he is a very dangerous player of spin bowling. He hits the spin very well. He is important for mid -order. South Africa’s batting depths like India. The team consists of world class all -round with Aiden Markram, Bavuma, David Miller batsmen like Marco Yansen. Their middle order is quite strong. ”
Ponting is surprised by the decision to repeatedly change New Zealand’s combination in the salute batting. He said, “He started the innings with Will Young and Conway against Pakistan and Bangladesh, but Rachin Ravindra played this role against India in the last group of the last group phase.
He said, “I was a little surprised to be inside and out of those people (Conway and Rachin). For the past few years, both of them have been doing well continuously. Will Young perform well. But I will take back Conway at the top, which will lead to a combination of left and right hand batting. ‘
