Rejuvenated South Africa eye spot in final

AB de Villiers hasn't managed a fifty-plus score in South Africa's last four games of this series © Mr.Raikwar

Less than a week ago, South Africa were languishing at bottom of the points table. On Wednesday night, however, the Proteas trounced West Indies by a thumping margin of 139 runs at Warner Park, and jumped to the top of the table, earning a bonus point to boot. South Africa now will lock horns with Australia at Bridgetown, Barbados on Sunday (June 19) in an attempt to seal a spot in the tri-series final, which will be possible if they win.

The South African think-tank would be pleased with the fact that Hashim Amla has played pivotal roles in the tri-series. In their last match against West Indies in St. Kitts, Amla clipped, cajoled and caressed the ball into gaps to compile a sublime ton. Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock, too, have been in prime form during the tournament. However, the fulcrum of South Africa's batting line-up, AB de Villiers, hasn't exactly hit top form in the series, and will be desperate to make his mark in the crucial encounter.

In the bowling department, Imran Tahir and Aaron Phangiso have shared 19 scalps between them. Tahir, in particular, has shone brightly, and was in devastating form against the home team at Warner Park, where he ended up with a seven-wicket haul. However, the track at Kensington Oval might not assist the spinners. Thus, Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell, who have performed in fits and starts in the tri-series so far, need to raise their game.

Australia's campaign, too, has been a topsy-turvy one. They started the tournament on a bright note by pipping West Indies in Guyana and also overcame South Africa in St. Kitts. On the flip side, Australia suffered reversals at the hands of South Africa in Guyana and West Indies in St. Kitts, respectively.