Strengths
No other team has as much local knowledge and experience. With a former South Africa coach, no fewer than four current South African limited-overs internationals plus Dillon du Preez and the SA-born Pietersen, they have benefitted most from the decision to shift the tournament across the Indian Ocean.
Their spin bowling stocks are also handy, with the up-and-coming Roelof van der Merwe complemented by the old warrior Anil Kumble. Cameron White, a respectable T20 player if nothing else, provides the back-up.
Weaknesses
With Nathan Bracken included in the Australia squad to play Pakistan in Dubai, Dale Steyn is the only international fast bowler available for the opening three weeks. Du Preez may well be asked to step and fill the void, but how will he fare against international stars in front of the big crowds?
The other concern is whether Jacques Kallis can step up to the intensity of Twenty20 cricket as a skipper once KP departs. It's all well and good standing in the slips looking disinterested during slow-paced Test matches; leading a side in a T20 match requires oodles of pro-active thinking.
Likely hit
Jesse Ryder is in fantastic form after a magnificent Test series at home to India, and the South African wickets should suit his style of going after the ball. His efforts at the top of the order will be crucial to getting Bangalore off to a solid start with Pietersen and swing-out-your-boots van der Merwe to follow.
Likely Flop
Just how much does Kallis really care about all of this? He made a fuss after being left out of South Africa's 2007 World Twenty20 squad and has been included in the original 30 for this year's shindig. A good showing in the IPL will secure a ticket to England, but whether he'll put his heart into it after a long 18 months with the Proteas remains to be seen.
Prediction
The addition of Pietersen and Ryder should make them more competitive, but they still won't quite make the semis.
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