New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) After three matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, South Africa has firmly positioned itself as a leading contender for a Super 8 spot, achieving their third straight victory with an impressive win against the New Zealand cricket team in Ahmedabad. Former South African captain Shaun Pollock lauded the team's commanding presence in the match.

Having previously triumphed over the Afghanistan national team, albeit after facing some challenges, and the UAE earlier in the tournament, the Proteas now have a strong grip on their qualification chances. Their recent win showcased a well-rounded performance, with both batting and bowling excelling at critical moments.

Pollock emphasized the significance of making a strong start, saying, “It was a commendable batting effort, wasn’t it? The surface allowed the top order to exert pressure on the bowling unit effectively.” Speaking to JioHotstar, he pointed out the importance of early dominance.

He particularly praised captain Aiden Markram for leading the chase of 175 runs with poise, stating, “In a chase of 175, setting the tone is crucial. Markram's approach was exemplary in demonstrating the potential impact on the game.”

Pollock also highlighted the contribution of all-rounder Marco Jansen, whose bowling was vital in disrupting New Zealand's momentum. He expressed surprise that Jansen didn’t open the bowling but acknowledged the strategic value he brought to the game.

“I thought Marco Jansen was outstanding. I was a bit taken aback they didn’t start with him, but his extra bounce proved advantageous against New Zealand’s top order. He broke a key partnership and took important wickets,” Pollock added.

Reflecting on South Africa’s overall campaign, Pollock noted their upward performance trajectory while suggesting areas for improvement. “They’ve started strong, especially in this match, but there’s room for growth. Although they won against Afghanistan, they nearly let that slip away.”

He pointed out the depth within the squad, even as he recognized the need for some refinement. “All the batters seem to be in good form, but Brevis could contribute more during the middle overs. The bowling options are plentiful, yet they might benefit from a mystery spinner to add variety.”

Despite not being mathematically assured of advancement, Pollock feels they will soon secure their spot. “Overall, you can’t be dissatisfied with South Africa’s performance; it’s a promising sign for the future. While they haven’t officially qualified yet, I would be shocked if they don’t make it to the top eight.”

A key moment in the match was the dismissal of Mark Chapman, who, along with Daryl Mitchell, was threatening to dominate the game. Pollock deemed this wicket as pivotal.

“Chapman’s wicket was significant because he and Mitchell were scoring freely. They looked set to reach a massive total, potentially around 200 or more.”

The former fast bowler also highlighted the skill displayed behind the stumps, noting a crucial delivery that made the difference. “There’s a lesson for young players: he developed a new knuckleball that effectively dismissed Chapman. The incoming batter struggled to maintain the scoring rate, showcasing a fantastic bowling performance.”

With three wins in three matches, South Africa’s campaign in Ahmedabad indicates a team that is peaking at the right moment, displaying balance, adaptability, and growing confidence as the knockout stages approach.