SA fans want to explore south India

South African supporters Taz (left) and Shannon at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, yesterday. Pic/Subodh Mayure

South African cricket fans Shannon and Taz are currently in India to watch World Cup games and expect their country to win the ICC trophy. At the same time, they are planning to explore southern India.

Taz is a keen cricket follower and she reckons that the Proteas deserve to win the Cup. "These South Africans are a totally different team as there are no expectations of them. Quinton de Kock is playing really well, but the entire SA batting line-up is consistent in this tournament. I think they have a good chance," Taz told mid-day on Friday. She added: "I love skipper Temba Bavuma. I know he has a lot of critics and I think the SA public has been a little harsh on him. Maybe, it's similar to India's Virat Kohli. Bavuma is a fantastic player, but the burden of captaincy is affecting his game."

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Shannon revealed that they are on their second India tour. "We are in India to explore the southern states. We haven't been there before. We think this is a perfect opportunity to watch a few World Cup games and travel to enjoy sightseeing. The people are very nice here. We are trying to get tickets for at least one more game - South Africa v India in Kolkata on November 5," he said.

Spare a thought for Pakistan fans

Though the Babar Azam-led Pakistan team lost their last three games before the SA clash in Chennai, their fans and well wishers were expecting them to bounce back in the tournament. At the 38,000 capacity MA Chidambaram Stadium, 29,980 enjoyed the SA-Pak clash, but most of the spectators were seen cheering Proteas's fours and sixes or their bowlers' achievements. The rest were praying for a miracle which will see Babar's boys remain in contention. "How can Pakistan beat South Africa when they have not even batted the full 50 overs," a Pak supporter asked.

As for the eight Pakistani journalists covering this game, they wanted Pakistan to beat SA as they are supposed to cover Pakistan's last league match against England at Kolkata on November 11.