AB de Villiers anticipates the SA vs. AUS match: “Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most important.”

In the ODI World Cup match between Australia and South Africa, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said that the loss of star batter Steve Smith would be vital. On Thursday, October 12 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, the two titans will face battle in the tenth game.

AB de Villiers believed that Pat Cummins and company would lack confidence after their loss to India in their first game, but a wounded team would be frightening. The legendary wicketkeeper-batter predicted that early wickets would be key for the Proteas and that they would induce Smith to quicken the pace of the game. Notably, Smith led Australia in scoring with 46 runs in their opening match.

“After losing to India, the Australians will be lacking in confidence, but a wounded Australia squad is incredibly dangerous. We need to take some early wickets to maintain the pressure, which is something we haven’t been doing well lately, according to De Villiers on the ICC website.

“Steve Smith’s wicket will be the most significant, despite the fact that it may seem clear. The 39-year-old continued, “He keeps everything together for Australia, and if we can get him out early, I am convinced we can finish the job.

If South Africa wants to be considered a serious contender, this will be a major test for the bowling attack: AB de Villiers

De Villiers also pointed out that while the batters have received most of the attention, the bowlers must also deliver if the Proteas are to be taken seriously as a contender considering the absence of key players like Anrich Nortje. The former cricketer continued by saying that he spoke with Kagiso Rabada, a star pacer who is eager to come up to the plate.

“All the focus has been on the batters, but this is a huge test for the bowling attack if South Africa want to be seen as real contenders, especially without Anrich Nortje – no one knows how to get it done at World Cups like Australia.”

“The loss of Nortje due to injury is a significant setback, and Kagiso Rabada now has greater pressure to direct the attack. He is one of the top bowlers in the world, and when I spoke to him last week, he was eager to step up and set an example for others.