Ahmedabad, February 25 Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj believes that staying at one venue does not give South Africa a significant advantage, saying that the key lies in adapting quicker than the opposition as they prepare for a crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against the West Indies here on Thursday.
The Proteas have only travelled outside Ahmedabad once so far, when they played against the UAE in New Delhi, and will do so again to compete against Zimbabwe on March 1.
“It’s nice not to travel, but from a pitch point of view, every game has been very different. The four matches we’ve played here, the conditions have varied throughout. I don’t see it as a major advantage. It’s about adapting quicker rather than later, and focusing on execution,” Maharaj said on the eve of the match.
South Africa are entering the match with high confidence after a morale-boosting win over India, but Maharaj maintained that the team is not getting carried away.
“There was a real energy and buzz in the camp after beating probably the best side in the competition. But we’re not getting carried away. There’s still a lot of cricket to be played. It’s about dusting ourselves off, doing things better, and focusing on the positives.”
With both teams unbeaten in the Super 8 stage, a win could virtually seal a semifinal berth for South Africa. Maharaj, however, stressed the importance of taking it one game at a time.
“This was a huge game for us against India. The West Indies played an amazing game against Zimbabwe. We know the danger they possess from an explosive point of view.”
Having shared dressing rooms with several West Indies players in franchise cricket, Maharaj said the Proteas are well aware of the firepower the Caribbean side possesses.
“They have batters in form and bowlers who are fighting with them. It’s about coming up with nice and simple plans and focusing on our execution.”
On how the challenge differs from facing India, he said the stakes are equally high.
“At this stage of the tournament, it’s a huge game. If we get over the line, it gives us qualification into the semifinals. The West Indies have a way of turning up in these events, so they can’t be taken for granted.”
The match will be South Africa’s first afternoon fixture of the tournament, and Maharaj acknowledged that adapting to a 3 pm start will be crucial.
“Generally, the bowlers give feedback early. Quinton (de Kock) is brilliant behind the stumps in assessing conditions. It’s about communication, whether it’s slower balls, cutters, or lengths, and then adjusting accordingly.”
With semifinal qualification within touching distance, Maharaj made it clear that clarity of plans and swift adaptation will be decisive against a side known for its explosive strokeplay.
“It’s about finding those one-percenters on the day. If we’re clear in what we want to do and execute well, that’s all we can control,” he concluded.
