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Cardiff: With the semifinal slot up for grabs, South Africa and the West Indies would be locked in what is a virtual quarterfinal when they take on each other in their last Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy on Friday.
South Africa lost their opening game to India before getting the better of Pakistan, results which are similar to what the West Indies have managed so far in the tournament.
India are already through to the semifinals after two wins out of two, while Pakistan are out of contention. That leaves the Proteas and the West Indies locked in a battle for the second semifinal spot.
South Africa have got a shot in the arm ahead of the crucial match with pacer Dale Steyn returning to fitness. He bowled in the nets on Wednesday without any discomfort after being laid low by a side strain.
As far as the batting prowess goes, both teams seem evenly matched even though the Chris Gayle factor could tilt the scales in the West Indies' favour if the swashbuckler comes up with one of his hurricane knocks on Friday.
For South Africa, Hashim Amla's form remains crucial as he would be expected to play the sheet-anchor's role. The likes of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy are the game changers, who can accelerate on a solid start.
The West Indian batting also features quite a few aggressors apart from Gayle, who is yet to score big in the ongoing edition despite being top run-getter in the overall Champions Trophy stats.
Kieron Pollard and Darren Bravo are two other big-hitters who would be expected to come good.
On the bowling front, South Africa have the distinct edge, especially if Steyn returns to the squad on Friday.
For the West Indies, spinner Sunil Narine remains a crucial cog and he proved his worth yet against when he picked up a couple of wickets against India, albeit for a losing cause in their previous match.
Teams from:
South Africa: AB de Villiers (Capt. & wk), Hashim Amla, Colin Ingram, Alviro Petersen, David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
West Indies: Dwayne Bravo (Capt.), Johnson Charles (wk), Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kieron Pollard, Darren Sammy, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Tino Best and Devon Smith (wk).
Match facts
Friday June 14, 2013
Start time 10.30am local (0930 GMT)
