Cricket South Africa. (Photo Source: ICC)
The first round of the T20 World Cup 2024 has come to a conclusion and we are now down to just eight teams and the rest of the 12 nations have been sent packing. The first Super 8 clash would see Group D table toppers South Africa take on co-hosts United States of America at the Sir Vivian Richards stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
South Africa has been excellent in the T20 World Cup as they have won all four games. Even though they have faced a scare or two during these four matches, they might be one of the favorites to lift the coveted title. They now face an underdog team in the form of the United States of America, whose journey so far has been nothing short of spectacular as they managed to eliminate Pakistan to secure qualification into the group stage.
Here is South Africa’s predicted playing XI against the United States of America –
Openers: Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks
The opening duo of Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock has been terrible to say the least so far. They have not been able to give good starts to the team and that has been one of the biggest worries for the team heading into the Super 8s.
They had a decent opening stand in their final group stage game of the tournament and that should be the impetus for better things to come. A lot of expectations have been placed on De Kock and it might be about time that he delivers for his nation once again.
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Middle order: Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen
The skipper of the South African team, Aiden Markram has been enduring a poor run with the bat and has given away his wicket cheaply more often than not. He has continued his poor form from the Indian Premier League into this competition and that is not helping the team to any extent. His captaincy has been great so far but runs with the bat is the biggest worry for him currently.
The decision to slot Tristan Stubbs at the number four spot is paying off well for the South African team. He has been able to stabilise the innings and build big partnerships with other batters. He has the ability to smack the ball into the stands but has been playing smart cricket so far and is certainly one of the biggest positives for the team heading into the tournament.
Time and time again, David Miller has come to the rescue for the South African team and this tournament has seen yet another carry job from the batter. The southpaw is currently the highest run-getter for the side in the tournament and is looking to add more runs to his tally in their upcoming game against United States of America at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
It has been a topsy-turvy kind of a season for Heinrich Klaasen as he has produced some decent knocks or has completely failed to notch up anything. His keeping behind the stumps has been amazing and would look to continue his outstanding stuff during the Super 8s phase of the tournament.
All-rounders: Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj
It has been a mediocre campaign so far for the tall all-rounder, Marco Jansen. His new ball spells have been extraordinary to watch and he has been bowling tight lines and lengths more often than not. The bowling all-rounder has scalped wickets regularly, but it is his ability to bat in the lower order that is causing some concern. Despite getting to bat in all four of the games, he has not been able to manage any significant score for the side.
Prior to the start of the tournament, there were surely concerns about whether Keshav Maharaj would be the starting spinner for the South African team or not. After his performances in the first three group stage matches, there was no chance that he would be dropped but missed the final game against Nepal. The team might go with two spinners in the team and he would certainly be the first choice for the side.
Bowlers: Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
It was a surprise to everyone that Tabraiz Shamsi did not start the tournament as their main spinner. However, he did play the last game against Nepal and performed splendidly as he scalped four wickets during his spell. Since the remaining matches of the tournament would be held in the West Indies, there is a good chance Shamsi might continue to play in the XI. He might just be the X factor that the team needs to make it out of their Super 8 group.
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Anrich Nortje has certainly been the go-to bowler for the South African team whenever they needed a wicket. His economical spells and wicket-taking ability help out the side during the middle overs. The pacer has certainly improved after his expensive spells in the IPL just a few months back and would be looking to continue his stellar run of form.
The South African team management might have a tough decision to make as they might have to choose between Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman. The latter is amongst the top wicket-takers in the tournament but is the more likely one to sit out considering the class and quality of Kagiso Rabada. The experience that Rabada brings to the team is unparalleled and that might be the reason he starts ahead of Baartman in the Super 8s.
Predicted XI for South Africa against the United States of America:
Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
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