It’s time for South Africa vs Afghanistan clash at the Cardiff Stadium on Saturday (June). In four matches, the Proteas have received a beating in three, whereas, their game against the Windies culminated with no result after the game got abandoned due to inclement weather.
On the other side, Afghanistan led by Gulbadin Naib have lost all three fixtures against Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, so far.
In such circumstances, it is a crucial game for both the teams to stay alive in the mega ICC tournament.
Here’s South Africa’s predicted playing XI for Afghanistan game at Cardiff:
Quinton de Kock:
The southpaw in the form of wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock couldn’t do much with the bat. However, the aggressive stroke-maker owing to his skill-set could change the complexion of the game.
Kock is vital for the Proteas fortunes early on.
Hashim Amla:
Hashim Amla, who is back into the playing XI, is a good sign for the Proteas. The run-machine will be crucial for the Proteas to take on Afghanistan. The right-handed batsman Amla has plenty of experience on his back to dish out the Afghan bowlers single-handedly.
Aiden Markram:
Aiden Markram might have a lot to learn, but he has enough in his tank to produce a scintillating show at the top.
The composed batsman Markram is more of a batsman who relies on finding the gaps. Also, he is capable of dispatching the bad balls beyond the bound ropes.
Faf du Plessis:
The skipper in the form of Faf du Plessis might have had struggled to score runs, but given to his temperament, he could quickly adjust himself to provide ample support with the bat.
Du Plessis’ inning is far more crucial as they are facing a wretched run at the moment.
Rassie van der Dussen:
The talented middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen tried to improvise against India, but he had faltered against the wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. He would be cautious in approach to thwart any threat imposed by a bowler like Rashid Khan in particular.
Van der Dussen is capable of rotating the strike and has already done his job before.
David Miller:
David Miller is one of the long-standing players in the South African line-up. Moreover, the onus will be on Miller, who has the knack of playing a whirlwind knock.
It’s a high-time for Miller to make a statement after an inconsistent run.
Andile Phehlukwayo:
In his short-stint, Andile Phehlukwayo has had impressed one and all with bat and ball. Also, he has done exceptionally well in the field to save most precious runs for his team.
The medium pacer will be raring to make an impact against an inexperienced campaigner.
Chris Morris:
Chris Morris, who could bat sensibly, was the highest scorer for the Proteas against India on June 5 in Southampton. The bowling all-rounder Morris loves to play with long-handle in a bid to make most of his opportunity.
He would look like to continue owing to his all-round performance.
Kagiso Rabada:
The speedster Kagiso Rabada has tried his best, but he couldn’t get what he had tried. However, the cameo against India has further indicated that he could bat.
Rabada is warming up to go at full throttle against Afghanistan batters who are capable of showing resistance irrespective of circumstances.
Imran Tahir:
The 40-year-old leg-spinner Imran Tahir has gone wicketless against India after bagging two wickets each against England and Bangladesh.
However, the wrist-spinner Tahir, who has been a game changer could trouble Afghanistan batters in Cardiff.
Beuran Hendricks:
The 29-year-old Beuran Hendricks is optimistic about his performance after making into the squad at the expense of injured Dale Steyn.
The left-arm paceman Hendrick, who hails from Cape Province, has represented the Proteas in three ODIs to claim a solitary wicket.
However, seen as an unknown commodity, Hendricks could pose a threat to Afghanistan.