New Delhi: A day after his younger brother wrecked a nervy Afghanistan side with the ball on a bouncy Kensington Oval pitch, Albie Morkel used the bat to establish his credentials at the T20 World Cup in Barabados. While Morne took South Africa to the Super Eights, Albie got their Group E campaign off to a magnificent start by smashing a 18-ball 40. It was Albie's innings on Thursday that proved to be the difference between South Africa and New Zealand. The fighting Kiwis ran the daunting 170-run total close in their chase but fell short by 13 runs. Had it not been for Albie's sensational cameo, it could have been a different result altogether.
Albie hit as many as five sixes -- three of Tim Southee in the 19th over -- during his 18-ball stay.
On Wednesday, Morne claimed three wickets in his first over against debutants Afghanistan and returned 4-20 to power an emphatic 59-run triumph.
The Morkel brothers play a huge role in adding balance to the talented South African side. Though both are all-rounders, older brother Albie is South Africa's power-hitter, while Morne is the prototype pacer who hits the deck hard.
South Africa will be relying hugely on the Morkel brothers from now on, with both hitting form in their respective stronger fields.
Albie will be key in adding impetus to the innings in the Caribbean. South Africa lack big hitters, especially lower down the order and Albie will be their go-to man. Graeme Smith may also promote Albie up the order, given his blazing form, to give him the maximum number of overs to show his prowess.
Morne with Dale Steyn and Charl Langeveldt form a deadly pace trio, with all three unleashing some lethal pace on the responsive West Indian pitches.
South Africa are once again out to get rid of the chokers tag and they are banking on the Morkels to break the jinx that has haunted their team for so long.
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