INDIA can wrap up a place in the World Cup quarter-finals with victory over South Africa and leave the Proteas facing a possible winner-takes-all clash against resurgent Bangladesh to qualify.
The unbeaten host nation top Group B with seven points from four matches while South Africa have four points from three games and will be desperate to hit back after a confidence-sapping defeat to England.
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he was looking to openers Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar to fire at the top of the order in Nagpur.
“If our openers can bat as long as possible it will be good for us because from what we have seen, if Sachin and Sehwag get going it is difficult to stop them,” Dhoni said.
“I am just hoping that in coming games we have slightly bigger partnerships so that the middle and the lower middle order can use the explosive power well.”
The explosive Sehwag and Tendulkar are capable of dominating any attack but their highest stand in the World Cup so far has been 69.
South African captain Graeme Smith is looking for a repeat of Nagpur magic as they attempt to get their campaign back on track.
Last year, South Africa thrashed India by an innings in a Test at the same venue, with paceman Dale Steyn playing a key role with 10 wickets in the match.
“I think our bowlers have had a good amount of success against India. We know each other pretty well after playing them the whole summer (at home). This is the ground where our bowlers have had success,” said Smith.
The skipper added he was unconcerned by his team once again being tagged as ‘chokers’ after failing to chase down a 172-target against England in Chennai last weekend.
“Suddenly you win two games and become favourites, you lose a game and suddenly you’re not favourites anymore. I think having a decent perspective within the group is always important,” he added.
