T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa strongest predicted playing XI against Netherlands

Cricket South Africa. (Photo Source: ICC)

South Africa (SA) are gearing up for their second match in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Aiden Markram and Co. will take on the Netherlands (NED), at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, on Saturday (June 8). Both teams have opened their campaign with a win and will aim to continue the momentum.

South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in a low-scoring match. They chased down a paltry target of 78 runs in 16.2 overs. The encounter against the Dutch side will be held at the same venue and due to the sluggish nature of the pitch, expect another bowling-friendly affair.

Netherlands, who won their first match against Nepal, is currently second in the Group D points table. They have upset South Africa in the past two World Cup editions and are no longer ‘minnows’ for the Proteas men. This time South Africa have a strong batting unit and a decent bowling attack, let’s wait and see how they fare.

Here’s the strongest predicted playing XI of South Africa for their match against Netherlands – 

Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks

Quinton De Kock and Reeza Hendricks. (Source -Twitter/X)

Quinton de Kock endured a dismal campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) and it looks like his lean patch is far from over. Against Sri Lanka, the keeper-batter put up some resistance but had to depart for a score of 20 at a concerning strike rate of 74.07. 

Reeza Hendricks is a powerful striker who can give a blazing start to the innings. The right-hander is expected to lay a foundation at the top with de Kock. However, his campaign got off to a terrible start as he was dismissed for just four runs against Sri Lanka.

Middle order: Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs 

Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram’s story is no different from de Kock’s. The Proteas skipper struggled to find runs in the IPL 2024 and was even dropped from some matches by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Back in the national uniform, he will be looking to bring stability to the middle order through his anchoring role. 

After enjoying a productive IPL season, Heinrich Klaasen entered the World Cup with strong preparations. He is currently one of the most destructive batters in limited-overs cricket. Klaasen remained unbeaten on 19 off 22 balls in the first match against Sri Lanka.

Also Check: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Runs

David Miller and Tristan Stubbs add more strength to their middle and lower middle order. Both are terrific and powerful hitters of the ball and can provide a blistering finish to the innings. Moreover, both are gunfielders in the outfield and are known for pulling off some incredible catches.

Allrounders: Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

The talented Marco Jansen is the only designated all-rounder in the Proteas line-up, but captain Markram and youngster Stubbs are also capable of contributing in the spin department. But the fiery pacer can contribute to his side in pressure situations should South Africa lose wickets in quick succession against their familiar opponents.

Interestingly, Jansen can use his height to his advantage to nail bouncers frequently. He can also chip in with some crucial runs in the lower order in the upcoming fixture of the T20 World Cup 2024 mega event.

Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi 

Anrich Nortje. (Photo Source: ICC)

Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will lead the spin attack for South Africa. Shamsi may replace Ottneil Baartman in the upcoming match. While Baartman did nothing wrong in the last match, picking up a wicket for just nine runs, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Markram brought an attacking leg-spinner to the side.

Check Here: T20 World Cup 2024 Most Wickets

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje will spearhead the pace unit. The two combined for six wickets in the last match against Sri Lanka. Express pacer Nortje was adjudged Player of the match for his remarkable spell, which included four wickets at an economy of just 1.80.

South Africa’s probable XI:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi.