There will be no margin for error against India: Jacques Kallis

Agencies
June 3, 2019

London, Jun 3: South Africa have no margin for error after second World Cup loss and should take advantage of India's 'first game nerves' to bring their World Cup campaign back on track, said legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

South Africa, who were thrashed by England in the opening match, suffered their second successive loss in the World Cup, going down by 21 runs against Bangladesh on Sunday.

Kallis believes the Proteas will be under a lot of pressure ahead of their clash against favorites India.

"It's disappointing and frustrating and there is lots of pressure on the next game, otherwise the tournament could be over before it's really started for South Africa," Kallis wrote in a column for the ICC.

"It doesn't get any easier though against India but it's their first game and our third, so maybe that could give us the edge we need,"

"They've not played for a week and maybe they'll be some first game nerves, whereas we are settled."

The 43-year-old from Cape Town said India will make South Africa pay if they commit any silly mistake.

"We've got to play all our cards and we can't afford any more silly mistakes at vital stages - these are the best sides in the world and they'll always punish you," Kallis wrote.

"Strange things happen in this sport and if we can get a win then I think we can go on a streak and we are still good enough to be a contender.

"There will be no margin for error though. I think you'll need six wins, maybe five with a really good run rate, to finish in the top four, so South Africa almost need to win every game they will play."

South Africa are battling injury issues with pacer Lungi Ngidi being ruled out of India clash due to a hamstring strain and Kallis feels experienced Dale Steyn needs to be drafted into the playing XI.

"The injury to Lungi Ngidi certainly didn't help Faf, he's a world-class player and a big part of our attack. You've got to play Dale Steyn against India now, and hopefully he is close to fitness," Kallis wrote.

Bangladesh posted their highest ODI total, scoring 330 for six at the Oval after South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis elected to bowl after winning the toss.

South Africa then fell short at 309 for eight while trying to become the first team to successfully chase more than 330 in a World Cup match.

Kallis wrote: "Bangladesh got all their partnerships going and once you get over 300 then it always becomes a tough chase, letting them score 50 or so runs in the final four overs really didn't help either and ultimately proved the difference.

"I understand what Faf du Plessis was doing with the toss and playing the extra pace bowler. However, the wicket just didn't allow it and perhaps he stuck with the tactics a bit too long and should have started bowling a little fuller and straighter.

"It's great having a game plan but you need to have a back-up when it's not working, I felt we were one step behind the entire match and just tactically a bit off. We need to be a bit smarter."

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News Network
March 27,2024

IPLbettingsuicide.jpg

Bengaluru: Darshan Babu is an engineer who is fond of betting on cricket matches and has been placing major bets on Indian Premier League (IPL) games since 2021. He often borrows money after losing a bet, or to place one when he is short on funds. His 23-year-old wife, tired of the constant harassment by creditors, died by suicide.

Ranjitha was found hanging at her home in Karnataka's Chitradurga on March 18. According to the family, Darshan had racked up a debt of over Rs 1 crore.

He worked as an assistant engineer in the Minor Irrigation Department at Hosadurga and had been ensnared in the realm of IPL betting from 2021 to 2023. This took a major toll on the couple's finances. Allegedly, he had borrowed over Rs 1.5 crore to place bets after his luck ran out and he lost all his money. While he managed to return Rs 1 crore, cops say that he still has a pending loan of ₹ 84 lakh.

Ranjitha married Darshan in 2020. She realised the truth about Darshan's involvement in betting in 2021, claims her father Venkatesh.

In his complaint, Venkatesh said that his daughter was extremely distressed due to the constant harassment by moneylenders and this led to her suicide. He has also named 13 men who had allegedly lent the money.

He said that his son-in-law was lured into betting with a promise of quick money.

"He (Darshan) was not willing to get into betting, but the suspects forced him saying it was an easy way to get rich. They promised to finance his betting activities against some blank cheques as security," he said.

Cops during their investigation found a suicide note, where she detailed the harassment they faced. Darshan and Ranjitha have a two-year-old son.

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