New Delhi, Feb. 26 -- Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on South Africa for their sharp tactical awareness at the ongoing T20 World Cup, calling their decision-making "solid game awareness and elite game IQ."

Pathan's comments came after South Africa's bowlers showcased a brilliant effort to restrict West Indies to 176/8 in their crucial Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

In a night fixture against India at the very same stadium in Ahmedabad, South Africa opted to bat first on a black-soil surface -- a pitch type traditionally known to slow down under lights and assist spinners as the game progresses. The decision paid dividends as they maximized scoreboard pressure in challenging ...