The massive frame of Gerald Dros will spearhead South Africa's bid for glory at the Hong Kong Sixes. Standing 1.93 metres tall and towering above most of his teammates and opponents, Dros will be anxious to impose his presence in the world's premier Sixes event. This will be the fourth successive year in which Dros has represented his country at the Sixes, and the second year in a row that the all-rounder has been named as captain.
Cup champions in 1995, the South Africans have been drawn in pool two where they will face Pakistan, India and the West Indies. The other pool comprises defending champions England, Sri Lanka, Australia and Hong Kong. By their own admission, the South Africans have under-achieved in Hong Kong in recent years, failing to qualify for the Cup competition in both 2003 and 2004. Last year, they suffered a shock defeat in the Pool stage to minnows from the United Arab Emirates.
They endured further ignominy in the Plate semi-final, losing by five wickets to Kenya. However, thanks to an unbeaten 17 from Gulam Bodi and a last-ball boundary from William Hantam they beat India in the Plate's third place play-off.