Cricket News: South Africa Dark horse of T20 World Cup 2022
South Africa is one of the teams with zero haters. A team that has scored maximum totals in the World Cup and many other numerous records. The only thing which is left is the World Cup title
David Miller leading T20 South African team.Despite having the best cricketers, the world has ever seen in their squad; they are considered to be having hard luck in mega events of ICC. They might not have had the best times in the T20 World Cup over the years, failing to reach the finals in many editions of the tournament, but they have always been a side with the potential to dominate any day.
South Africa had a good campaign in the previous edition, placed in the group alongside England, Australia, West Indies and Sri Lanka. They failed to make it to the semi-finals owing to a poor net run rate.
What makes them a dark horse for the tournament?
Current form
The team is currently coming off defeating England in their backyard by 2-1 in a thrilling three-match T20I series. Before that, they won three away series against Sri Lanka (3-0), Ireland (3-0), West Indies (3-2) and drew the series by 2-2 against India.
Despite missing a few big names due to injuries, the young South African T20I team has performed well in 2022. They will look to continue their momentum with the upcoming T20I series against Ireland in England and the World Cup.
Wasim Jaffer said, “They’re definitely one of the hot contenders for the T20 WC now.”
Blend of experience and youth
The Proteas have a decent blend of youth and experience that adds strength to their squad for the tournament. To begin with, Quinton de Kock, along with Reeza Hendricks, is a vital experienced opening pair for South Africa.
The reinvention of Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller in middle-order has helped strengthen the team to don the role of a finisher for South Africa.
Fast bowling lies in the safe hands of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje. Their spinners, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj have tasted success in the recent past.
South Africa has been placed in Group B along with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 and will be a tough side to beat for all the fellow teams.
Key players to watch out for in the current Ireland match
The current South African team is filled with match winners in their squad, and their batting line-up is very dangerous. But in recent matches, the batting order has been seen powered by their opener Reeza Hendricks whereas Tabraiz Shamsi has been leading the bowling attack from the front.
Reeza Hendricks: He recently had an excellent series against England and played an essential role for the team in their series win. Opening the three innings against England, he scored 57, 53 and 70. He will look forward to continuing this form against Ireland on English soil to seal his spot at the top of the order for the upcoming World Cup.
Tabraiz Shamsi: On picking a five-wicket haul in the final T20I against England, he looked in great rhythm and form throughout the series. He has emerged to be a great match winner for South Africa in shorter formats, and his wrist spin abilities will pose a challenge for Irish batters.
Players selected for England tour against Ireland
Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Rilee Rossouw, David Miller(c), Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee