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ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Du Plessis tells South Africa’s players to focus on the future and not dwell on the past

South Africa have put the first two weeks of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 behind them and head into their remaining five league matches with their focus firmly fixed on giving themselves a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

By Icc
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Du Plessis tells South Africa’s players to focus on the future and not dwell on the past

Cardiff, June 14: South Africa have put the first two weeks of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 behind them and head into their remaining five league matches with their focus firmly fixed on giving themselves a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

After three matches in the opening week, all defeats, skipper Faf du Plessis is keen for his players to look forward and not focus on what has happened in the opening weeks of the tournament.

CWC 2019 Special Site | Points Table

He said: "We have to make sure we put all our energy and focus into what's coming up next. If we carry the ghosts of the last week with us, it's going to be tough to get out of the hole.

"We can't be looking back. If we are looking back, we are almost going to float through this tournament and then we might win one or two or three games and we won't achieve what we want. We have been having conversations an making sure we are strong and we know what we need to do."

The most pressing task for South Africa is to start winning so they begin to catch up with teams higher up on the points table.

Du Plessis knows there is a long way to go but believes the current situation could bring out the best of his team.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Preview South Africa vs Afghanistan: Preview

He added: "We have real purpose in the next five games. Everyone has written the team off. Our backs are against the wall as a team.

"Maybe that lets the guys play the way they can play the way we want to play. We know we haven't fully unlocked the potential we have in the side."

For that to happen, South Africa want their batsmen, in particular, to put in a strong performance against Afghanistan at the Cardiff Wales Stadium.

It was at this venue that South Africa last scored substantially, albeit only in a warm-up match. They posted 338/7 against Sri Lanka, an opposition they are familiar with.

Now, they are looking to do similar against Afghanistan, who they have never played in an ODI.

Du Plessis is wary of an unknown opposition and their spinners and will draw on his and others' IPL experience to try and nullify the turning threat.

He added: "You can't call teams minnows anymore. You can't call them weaker sides. They have the ability and the players to change the game.

"Rashid Khan was the standout for them. He has proven in T20 cricket that he is probably the best legspinner in the world.

"In fifty-over cricket, you have a bit of time, so you don't have to attack him as much. We will share knowledge from the IPL in the dressing room.

"We know that where Afghanistan come into the game is when Rashid Khan gets on a roll and takes wickets in quick succession."

South Africa have a fully fit batting line-up to choose from and will likely opt for two of Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller or JP Duminy but have an injury concern in the bowling department.

Seamer Lungi Ngidi is still recovering from a hamstring strain and a late call will be taken on his availability, with South Africa's likely to err on the side of the caution given how many matches they have left.

"We need to make sure that if he is not 100 per cent or even 90 per cent, we ask is it worth the risk?" Du Plessis said. "The right call to make is that if he is not ready, he will play the next match."

Story first published: Friday, June 14, 2019, 21:00 [IST]
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