Markram To Play Both Shamsi & Maharaj? SA's Probable XI For Super 8 Match Vs USA

Keshav Maharaj & Tabraiz Shamsi have been in brilliant form (ICC)Keshav Maharaj & Tabraiz Shamsi have been in brilliant form (ICC)

South Africa's performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has been nothing short of spectacular. Dominating Group D with an unbeaten record of four wins in as many matches, the Proteas now face co-hosts USA in their first Super 8 encounter on Wednesday, June 19, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Placed in Group 2 of the Super 8 alongside USA, West Indies, and England, South Africa will aim to maintain their winning momentum.

In the group stages, South Africa showcased their versatility, successfully chasing down targets against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, and defending totals against Bangladesh and Nepal. This adaptability displayed their formidable strength in both batting and bowling departments.

As the Super 8 stage beckons, let's dive into the potential combination South Africa might field against the USA. Here’s a detailed look at South Africa’s probable XI vs the USA.

Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks are set to open the innings. While de Kock, a player known for his big-match temperament, is yet to set the tournament alight, his explosive potential is a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

Reeza Hendricks, on the other hand, has shown his class, particularly with a composed 43 against Nepal in the last group stage match.

Captain Aiden Markram, who has had a subdued tournament so far, will be keen to lead by example and find form.

The middle order, featuring Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs, has been the backbone of the South African innings, stepping up on various occasions to steer the team out of trouble and towards formidable totals.

Marco Jansen, occupying the No. 7 spot, adds depth to both the batting and bowling. Known for his ability to hit lusty blows and extract extra bounce on the typically low West Indian pitches, Jansen is a valuable asset.

The pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Ottneil Baartman has been a revelation, consistently taking wickets and stifling the opposition's scoring.

The spin department poses a pleasant dilemma for the team management. Tabraiz Shamsi, who delivered a Player of the Match performance with a four-wicket haul against Nepal, has made a compelling case for his inclusion.

 However, Keshav Maharaj, with his consistent brilliance throughout the competition, remains a strong contender. The team might opt for a dual-spin attack, which would mean either Baartman or Jansen could make way.


South Africa’s Probable XI vs USA-

Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi/Keshav Maharaj.