Upton believes South Africa and New Zealand will fight it out to qualify for semis.
It is unfair to tag South Africa as ‘chokers’ because of their inability to win big ICC tournaments feels Paddy Upton.
The Proteas have participated in every ICC World Cup since 1992, but have not been able to lift the trophy yet. They have always had a very good squad of skilled and able cricketers. They fell agonizingly short twice in semi-finals, once in 1992 because of the D/L method and in 1999 because of the run-out against Australia. They also lost to New Zealand in semis of 2015 edition as well.
Paddy Upton told IANS, “In every big tournament like the World Cup, only one team wins and seven or eight big teams end on the losing side. I think the 'chokers' label for South Africa is a little bit too exaggerated and it's also unfair.”
“But I do realize that South Africa have struggled and could have performed better. They will, in time, win one of these big trophies. But for the time being, they need to embrace and not run away from the 'chokers' label and also not be weighed down by it. They just need to focus on their game and the job at their hands,” he added.
Upton feels that India, Australia, and England are sure contenders of the semi-final spots, but there will be a tough fight between South Africa and New Zealand for the fourth spot.
He said, “This format allows top teams with a better chance to make it to the semifinals. I see India, Australia, and England making it to the semis and South Africa and New Zealand fighting it out for the fourth spot. West Indies on their day can surprise any team. So, it will be a wild card entry for the fourth semi-final spot among three teams.”
“Each of those four top teams will be able to lift the trophy and it will go down to which team has the most number of in-form players,” he added.
(Source: IANS)