South Africa, who hasn’t won a World Cup before and is labelled chokers for failure to perform in the knockout matches, is placed in Group 1 in the marquee event- 2021 T20I World Cup alongside heavyweights Australia, England, and West Indies. Notably, among the aforementioned four already qualified teams in the group, the Proteas team is the weakest. South Africa has witnessed a significant downfall in international cricket recently.
They are currently placed on the 5th spot in the latest ICC T20 Internationals rankings. Also, in the last 5 T20 international series, they have lost three series. Notably, they have several good promising players on the team who are match winners. However, they have been unable to fire together as a team.
South Africa Has Some Exceptional Talented Players In The Likes Of Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
The South Africa management will hope things change before the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021 despite star batsman AB de Villiers’ absence, who decided not to return from retirement.
They have some exceptionally talented players in the likes of Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassi Van Der Dussen, David Miller, and others on the team. If the players are in good form, they can surely give tough competition to other teams. Notably, South Africa recently faced Sri Lanka in the T20I series, and they earned an amazing series victory by 3-0.
So far, South Africa has yet to win a single T20 World Cup trophy and ODI World Cup. Also, they never made it to the finals of the T20 World Cup tournament. Meanwhile, this time under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas team will be hoping for a better outcome in the T20 World Cup 2021.
South Africa’s Squad For The Upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Notable Omissions And Inclusions
South Africa is well stocked in the spin department, with spinner Keshav Maharaj being joined by World’s No. 1 spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and Bjorn Fortuin as specialist spinners.
In addition, keeper Quinton de Kock, opener Aidem Markram, keeper Heinrich Klaasen, and middle-order batsman David Miller form part of an experienced batting line-up. The Proteas also boast a fearsome fast-bowling line-up featuring Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortje.
Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada are the only players in the squad who participated in the 2016 World T20 in India. The Proteas have gone in Wiaan Mulder and Dwaine Pretorious as all-around options. Meanwhile, the trio of George Linde, Andile Phehlikwayo, and Lizaad Williams will travel with the team as reserves.
Quinton de Kock and Henrich Klaasen are the two wicket-keeping options present in the team, while David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram are quality options with the bat. South Africa has a strong pace attack and included Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi, while Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj are the two specialist spinners.
Another notable player to miss out from South Africa’s squad was Janneman Malan, who has scored 241 runs in 11 T20I matches with the highest score of 55 runs since making his debut against Pakistan in 2019.
Temba Bavuma (c), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, W Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen; Reserves: George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lizaad Williams
The complete schedule of South Africa for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2021:
Saturday, October 23, 2021: vs Australia, at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in Abu Dhabi. (3:30 PM IST)
Tuesday, October 26, 2021: vs West Indies, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in Dubai. (3:30 PM IST)
Saturday, October 30, 2021: vs Qualifier (A1) Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in Sharjah. (3:30 PM IST)
Tuesday, November 2, 2021: vs Qualifier (B2), at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in Abu Dhabi. (3:30 PM IST)
Saturday, November 6, 2021: vs England, at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in Abu Dhabi. (7:30 PM IST)