What is it that empowers and destroys on the sports field? I’m watching the frequently brilliant South African cricket team (the Proteas) doing its best to destroy itself against a very professional Indian side.

Suppose that you are batting first and you feel that your side needs to score at least 300 to have a good chance of winning (it’s a 50 overs match). Your two openers make a solid but rather stolid start, losing the first wicket at 75 with a run rate of only about 4 per over. Amla has gone for 35.

Then the spinner, Jadeja, gets de Kock to knick the ball, caught behind for 53. Maybe the commentator who said that whenever de Kock reaches a half century he carries in to make a 100 produced the kiss of death.

So there were du Plessis and de Villiers at the crease. Two of the most experienced and well regarded South African batsmen. But now they feel the need to force the pace.

Disaster! De Villiers gets himself run out. Miller gets involved in a terrible mix up and is run out. Then du Plessis gets caught. Then Morris is caught for only 4 and it’s 167 for 6 after 35 overs.

Such is the impact of the psychology of nerves and impatience and apparent insecurity. Too many risks for very little reward. Some extraordinarily poor judgment. At this stage South Africa needs a lot of luck, a lot of guts and the utmost determination. I’m hoping! No such luck. Defeated and destroyed!