greame smith afraid of Afghanistan

Afghanistan, who have honed their cricket skills in a war zone, may pose more of a threat to South Africa’s hopes of winning the Twenty20 World Cup than the leading nations, captain Graeme Smith said.
“Afghanistan are a potential banana skin because they are unknown but they have a lot of talented cricketers, they’ve overtaken all the others in the minnow division. It’s going to be nerve-wracking playing them,” Smith told reporters on Tuesday.

“I read their opener (Karim Sadiq) said he was not scared of facing Dale Steyn and I wouldn’t be either if I grew up in a war zone. That’s the thing, they have no fear and they have nothing to lose, which makes them dangerous.”

South Africa have been grouped with former champions India and Afghanistan in Group C in the tournament which begins on April 30 in West Indies.

While Smith and his team mates know the strengths and weaknesses of the Indians having played against them for years, Afghanistan will be unknown packages as the competition will be their first major international event.

Smith said fast bowler Steyn could turn out to be his trump card as he has been in impressive form for the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which ends this weekend.

“Dale bowling so aggressively in the IPL was a major positive. He showed he can bowl at 150 kph and take wickets, and we can really use that sort of gem,” Smith said.

South Africa are also keen to make amends for their shock semi-final exit last year, when despite being favourites they were beaten by eventual champions Pakistan.

“Some of the guys are frustrated and are really motivated to do well. They’re crying out for opportunity after the IPL,” Smith added.

Morkel, Taylor Signed Durham

 South African all-rounder Albie Morkel and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor have agreed to play for Durham in England's domestic Twenty20 competition this season.

Taylor, 25, who recently hit a record 81-ball century for his country, will join up with the squad ahead of their first fixture, against Lancashire on June 4.

Morkel returns for his second stint with the county after helping the side reach the Twenty20 Cup finals day in 2008.

He said: I was eager to take up the opportunity to come back to the Riverside after my first stint there in 2008.

“It's a great club to be a part of, there is a lot of ambition and team spirit in the dressing room and I'm looking forward to joining back up with the team.”

Both players will be representing their respective countries in the ICC World T20 in the West Indies before joining up with the Durham squad.