The Proteas, who reached the Super 8 stage with a strong run in the group stage, are preparing to take on the defending champions in what Conrad called the biggest match of the competition yet. Conrad was candid about the atmosphere around the Indian camp and suggested that the expectations and scrutiny of the home crowd could work in South Africa’s favour.
“Pressure is a big thing, but it’s pressure for us as much as it is for them. I think we all talk about the pressure that comes with playing against the top, but we’re not fully aware of the pressure they’re under. For example, I’m not suggesting that a player who has got three points in his last three games comes under pressure because of his place in his squad. No,” Conrad told ESPNcricinfo.
His comments come as India prepares to host the 2024 T20 World Cup finalists in a Super 8 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 22.
The 58-year-old shed further light on how he is preparing for the clash, stressing that he is not a big fan of match-ups and thinks it is an exaggerated concept. Talks are on for South Africa to play matches against India’s left-handed heavy batting line-up.
“The matchups can be overdone. I’m not a big fan of it,” Conrad said. “Sometimes the wickets are so good that the match-ups are ignored. If there is something in the wicket and there is a little bit of spin, then the match-up could be for the offspinner against the left-hander. Maybe the angle you create sometimes. Generally speaking, I think it is slightly exaggerated on really good batting wickets,” the Proteas coach said.
With both teams aware that a win will significantly boost their semi-final ambitions, this clash promises a tactical battle between two T20I powerhouses.
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