At the moment, South Africa are in an extreme boom, as the side has ticked all boxes off late. Be it any form of the game, the Proteas have been in top notch form when they have played with a full-strength team. After a poor outing in the Caribbean, where they crashed out of the Tri-Series, there has just been an upward move with consecutive ODI series (whitewash) victories against Australia and Sri Lanka.
South Africa’s next ODI assignment is bound to be far more challenging than their previous couple ones, as it comes against a team, playing in its own backyard, that has been unbeaten in an ODI series for more than three years now at home. The five-match ODI series will be a rigorous test of the Proteas for the taking.
Ahead of the tour, T20I skipper Faf du Plessis has warned the Kiwis about the rapid emergence of Kagiso Rabada.
Rabada has been a revelation for the Proteas since the last 18 months and shall remain a massive threat for New Zealand.
“He’s the real deal,” said du Plessis.
“He’s someone who’s going to be, injury permitting, just as good as Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. ‘He’s going to be leading South Africa’s attack for a very long time. From a captain’s perspective, he’s a guy in all formats who has the skills to do whatever is required,” said Faf, drawing comparisons with South Africa’s other pace bowling sensations.
“If it is to keep the game quiet, he’s got the skill to do that; if it’s to shut the game down, his yorkers are fantastic. Bounce and pace are what he’s got, so it will be nice see what he can do in these conditions. “He hasn’t played in New Zealand, so this will be a nice learning opportunity for him,” Faf concluded.