Logistically, Things Could Have Been More Efficient: Tamba Bavuma

Both South Africa and Australia recently travelled to Dubai as they were unsure who would play India in the semi-final. It all hinged on the match between India and New Zealand. Since India won that game, they finished top of Group A and set up a semi-final date with Australia. Had they lost, it would have been South Africa playing against them in Dubai.

As a result, the Proteas, who flew to Dubai, had to return to Lahore in a matter of a day to prepare for their semi-final against South Africa.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma feels the logistics could have been handled better. "I think probably logistically things could have been, I guess, more efficient. Saying that I think some of the guys did enjoy the time to kind of galivant in Dubai," Bavuma said ahead of the South Africa clash.

"Some of the boys played some golf, some of the boys went for some sightseeing. So, I guess it was quite enjoyable from that perspective. For other guys it was just another day to recover. So yeah, guys made use of it as best as they could. We're here now. We're here in Lahore. And we're going to be preparing and getting as ready as we can for tomorrow's clash."

Asked if South Africa will be wary of New Zealand's spinners, Bavuma said that his side is up for it, further adding that he is confident of his bowlers too.

"I think just their bowling as a whole in New Zealand, it's quite a formidable one. It's quite a disciplined bowling attack. Up front, the guys with the new ball, they don't give you much to score from, so you really got to be decisive as an opening batter," Bavuma said.

"And then in the middle, you've got guys who, again, don't give you much to score from and are able to kind of squeeze the game and force you to make a mistake. So, I think, as batters, we know that we're going to have to work hard. We're going to have to bat ourselves into a position where we can almost make the play against them. 

"And no different to how we generally go about our batting innings. But I think us, as well as the Proteas, I mean, we're also quite confident in our bowling attack. So, I think, it'll be a good show and offering between the two bowling attacks. I don't think there's a lot between the two bowling attacks. I guess tomorrow it will be up to whoever shows up and executes based on the day."

Kane Williamson scored two centuries in two innings the last two times these two teams met in the tri-series in Pakistan. Do South Africa have a plan in place for the veteran batter? Of course, they do.

"He's always been a thorn. We have plans against him. I obviously won't release what those plans are," Bavuma said.

"But I think, like any top player on any top side, you know that as a team you've got to raise your intensity come that when the player comes in you've got to make sure that you execute your plans accordingly and make sure whatever opportunity that he gives you, you're ready to take it."

There's a lot of injury concerns within the South Africa camp, including Bavuma himself. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi, too, had niggles. As a result, George Linde was called in as cover. Bavuma, however, did not delve too much into it as did not rule their regular members from playing in the semis.

"Aiden [Markram] - he's doing his fitness test. I guess we'll know at the end of this practice where it stands with him. I'm feeling a lot better. I'll be training today. Tony [de Zorzi] as well, he's looking a lot better. But yeah, we're quite hopeful in terms of the guys that we have. George [Linde] - he's coming in as a traveling reserve, if anything doesn't go according to plan from that perspective," Bavuma said.

If South Africa wins, it will be their first trip to the Champions Trophy final since winning the inaugural edition in 1998.