Two traditional rivals will clash at the Oval today. Unlike the Group F matches which are predictable and are more of academic importance, the Group E matches are full of excitement and unpredictability. Except for England which seems to have become the punching bag in Group E, rest of the matches are full of possibilities and eagerly awaited outcomes for their respective home crowds.
But India and South Africa have the luxury of an extra win in their group matches when compared to West Indies.
The West Indies therefore have to work that much harder to clinch a berth in the semi finals. They certainly are not short of talent determination and the will to excel.
South Africa has won both its previous encounters against England and New Zealand albeit chasing paltry totals of 127 and 111. It will be a different game all together if they have to set a target for West Indies or if they have to chase a target.
Graeme Smith has not been convincing and Kallis is not the explosive type and he does not seem to be getting the necessary support from Herschell Gibbs or Graeme Smith. This is not to take away anything from the middle order and the depth that South Africa but that is no excuse to put all pressure on them. Then there is the extra pressure on both the teams considering their rivalry.