The Proteas squad for the ICC t20 World Cup has been confirmed recently. The team will take on their opponents next month in Australia. Bavuma’s team is placed in the same group as Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
The last year’s World Cup ended on a tragic note for South Africa after they failed to qualify for the semi-finals despite their glorious wins against England. Though not qualified for the knockout, the winning strike did not end for the squad anytime soon, the Proteas then continued to win an away T20I series against England and later draw an away series against India. Needless to say, the African team is in their best form currently.
The biggest blow for the team has been the omission of a notable player, top-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen, who is going to miss the game due to a broken finger.
Although the Proteas have not made many modifications to their squad since the last World Cup, this year they are optimistic enough to bring the trophy home. With Rassie staying out of the field, Miller and Aiden will be adding runs on the board during the middle order. On the brighter side, the team’s captain has made a full recovery and will be back to the game after suffering an elbow injury during the India tour in June.
All-rounder Keshav Maharaj, who is vice captain for the limited overs, will be a key player for the team. From the beginning of the World Cup South Africa has to ensure victory against the opponent teams; Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. Winning with a big margin will secure a good NRR which will later help to go into the semi-finals.
Can South Africa win the ICC World Cup 2022?
CSA Convenor of Selectors Victor Mpitsang says, “This group of players showed off their brilliant skill and talent when they overcame England in England recently. These sort of performances only bode well for us heading to the World Cup. Overall we are delighted with the mix of players that have been chosen and look forward to watching them represent the country in Australia.”
In the bowling attack, South Africa is convenient with an array of alternatives. Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje are prepared with their fast pace attack which will undoubtedly benefit considering Australia’s pitch situation. Also 22-year-old Tristan Stubbs has received his maiden call in this T20 World Cup squad. For the spin, the squad includes Tabraiz Shamsi.
“We’ve got a lot of young players in our team, too, and if we are putting in the performances with these guys now, once they settle into their roles I can only imagine what’s going to happen. So we’re in a pretty good space,” Lungi Ngidi said in an interview with Betway Insider.
In reserve, there are Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, and Marco Jansen. The team now carries a large amount of potential with its 15-player squad that is equally stabilized in both the bowling and batting department. The fans are now looking forward to South Africa’s away t20 series against India which will start on September 28. In case the Proteas wins it will serve as a confidence booster going into the T20 World Cup. While winning the cup cannot be guaranteed, South Africa surely has the odds to qualify for the finals.
