Marco Jansen believes South Africa can remain focused despite their past struggles in knock-out matches, following their convincing win over England in the Champions Trophy. Jansen achieved notable statistics, including 3 wickets and three catches, leading to a strong team performance. The team’s next challenge lies in the semi-finals, with important player health assessments ongoing.
Marco Jansen expressed confidence that South Africa can maintain focus and overcome their history of underperformance in knock-out matches, following their victory against England that secured a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. The 24-year-old pacer delivered a remarkable performance, taking 3 wickets for 39 runs and contributing in the field with three catches, leading to England being all out for 179 in 38.2 overs.
South Africa successfully chased down the target, losing just three wickets in 29.1 overs, with Rassie van der Dussen scoring an unbeaten 72 and Heinrich Klaasen adding 64. As a result of this win, South Africa topped Group B with five points while Australia ended the group stage in second place with four points. Their semi-final opponent will be determined by the outcome of the India-New Zealand match in Group A, scheduled to take place in Dubai.
Historically, South Africa has struggled at the knock-out stages, not winning an international title since the 1998 Champions Trophy, previously known as the ICC knock-out tournament. Jansen noted that the team does not need to change much for these critical matches. He remarked, “I wouldn’t say the mindset changes; it’s just the occasion that’s probably a bit more hyped up,” indicating that the atmosphere can sometimes affect players’ performances.
Reflecting on past performances, Jansen mentioned South Africa’s defeats to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-finals and India in the T20 World Cup final last year. He emphasized the importance of sticking to their game processes during these pivotal matches: “It’s just you have your steps or your guides that you go into every match and then basically in semi-finals you just try and do that extraordinarily well.”
Jansen elaborated on the mental aspects, stating, “For me, it’s just depending on where you play on what lengths to hit and then as a game develops, trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t work,” suggesting that situational adjustments take precedence over mental shifts. He noted that both teams will be familiar with the conditions in Dubai as India has played all its matches there.
He acknowledged the potential advantage India has due to their familiarity with Dubai’s playing conditions but reinforced that South Africa has also adapted to these conditions. Jansen stated, “We play spin really, really well. So, I don’t think it’s that much or that too much of an advantage.” Ultimately, he believes that performance on the day will determine the outcome of the match.
As South Africa prepares for the semi-finals, they will need to assess the health of skipper Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi, both of whom missed the game against England due to illness. Additionally, interim captain Aiden Markram had to leave the field with a stiff hamstring, creating further uncertainty as they move forward in the tournament.
Marco Jansen’s insights highlight South Africa’s potential to maintain focus in high-pressure knock-out matches, emphasizing the significance of sticking to established game processes rather than letting the heightened stakes affect their mindset. The upcoming semi-finals will test their ability to adapt, especially against familiar opponents like India. With critical player assessments ongoing, the team’s mental resilience and strategic execution will be pivotal in securing their first international title since 1998.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
