The fifth and the final ODI of the series between West Indies and South Africa will be played at the Port of Spain in Trinidad. South Africa leads the series 4-0, and with perceptible cracks developing within the West Indian side, a 5-0 clean sweep does not look like a distant possibility. >
South Africa has almost not put a foot wrong on this entire tour so far. They had won both the T20Is against West Indies, and then, despite being in situations where they could have gone down, they have managed to win all the four ODIs. Their opposition, on the other hand, have embraced one defeat after the other, and have barely looked like a team on a mission to win. >
The latest issue to rock the West Indian cricket was when Sulieman Benn probably became the first ever player to be sent out by his own captain for disobeying his orders. While he has been fined his entire match fee and is still a part of the squad, what would be something to watch out for will be whether he gets selected in the side for this game.
From the West Indian point of view, they need to get a move on with their batting and bowling, together. In the games that they have scored the runs on the board, their bowling has fallen by the wayside, whereas in some others, the converse has been possible. The biggest improvement area could be Chris Gayle’s batting, who has been kept quiet so far, but one gets the sense that after the Benn-incident, it could be his chance to reply back with the bat in his hand.
From South Africa’s point of view, they were coming into the tour having borne a lot of criticism, and will be looking to give back with this performance of theirs. They should not let-up and will aim at a 5-0 score, though, one can safely assume that they will also look to rest a couple of their main guys. Dale Steyn may comeback, but Jacques Kallis could be rested, as could one of the quicker bowlers
South Africa (5/11 at Bwin) go in as favourites for obvious reasons, and unless West Indies (2/1 at Bodog) can come up with a performance to dazzle everyone, I see no reason why South Africa will not make it 5-0.