Team Analysis for the Women's T20I World Cup 2023: South Africa

image-ldsthy3hSource: OneCricket ( Proteas Women)

Not even a week for the 8th edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, so it's time for a post-mortem of the teams participating. Just on the back of a successful U-19 Women's World Cup tournament, South Africa are back staging one of the bonanzas for the cricket fraternity. 

This is the first time that the African nation will be hosting this version of the World Cup. So, without wasting time, let's dwell on the Proteas Women's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. 

History

The Proteas Women have been a part of the Women's T20 World Cup since its inaugural edition. The furthest they've gone is till the semi-finals in the year 2014 and 2020. This is the first time they're hosting the mega event and would like to take every advantage of the conditions. 

South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup

They have been a part of the semi-finals twice (in 2014 and 2020) but yet to clinch the trophy. In addition, they have a winning percentage of 40.74% in World T20Is. 

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Now, let's gaze through South Africa Women's squad for the upcoming tournament.

South Africa T20I World Cup Squad: Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Delmi Tucker, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Shabnim Ismail, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Lara Goodall, Anerrie Dercksen , Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp

If we hover around the squad and fragment as per roles, this is what we get: 

image-ldsqweok(Source: OneCricket)

So, if done with the basics, now let's dig deep inside the squad to get a proper insight of the team fares on paper.

Strengths of South Africa Women

  1. Plethora of All-rounders: Three dimensional cricketers play a significant role in T20 cricket and South Africa possess plenty of these. They have one of the best all-rounders in their ranks - Marizanne Kapp. In addition, the likes of Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Anneke Bosch and Sune Luss offers flexibility to the skipper.  
  2. Klaas-Mlaba duo: If one observes carefully, the pair of Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba have been the chief in regulating the middle phases for South Africa Women in the past couple of years. The trio of Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka have been the usual starters with the new ball but controling the run-flow at the middle overs was a concern for South Africa until the insurgence of the Klaas-Mlaba duo.

Nonkululeko Mlaba (Numbers Since 2021 in T20Is)

Innings: 17
Wickets: 19
Wickets/Over- 3.11
Wickets/Innings- 1.11
Economy- 5.31

Masabata Klaas (Numbers Since 2021 in T20Is)

Innings: 12
Wickets: 13
Wickets/Over- 3.15
Wickets/Innings- 1.08
Economy- 7.78

Weakness of South Africa Women

  1. Giddy lower middle-order- Although the Women in Green and Gold posses a strong top-order, the lower-middle order is somewhere they lack lustre. Chloe Tryon is likely to play the role of a finisher but she lacks assistance. Sinola Jafta, Nadine de Klerk or Anneke Bosch are other options who might bat at no. 6 and 7.  This is such a position where South Africa is yet to figure out a proven match-winner.

Opportunities of South Africa Women

  1. Title contender: The Proteas Women have never clinched a title in ICC tournaments. It's not just the girls, but even the men's team still needs to earn the silverware in World Cups. With the event staged in their backyard, this is the best chance for South Africa to gross a shot at the trophy.
  2. Void in experience: Lizelle Lee, Dan van Niekerk, and Mignon du Preez are the three big names missing from the previous squad of the T20 World Cup. All of them were mainstays, with Niekerk leading the side. With all three missing this time, it is the perfect opportunity for someone like Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall and Anneke Bosch to stamp authority and cement their place.

Threats of South Africa Women

  1. Marizanne Kapp is one of the MVPs of South Africa when it comes to dwelling with bat and ball in hand. The Gqeberha-born can open the bowling as well as stabilize the middle-order batting. She withdrew from the recently concluded Tri-Nation series finals after her partner, Dan van Niekerk, was chucked out from the World Cup squad. There's a mental aspect which comes to the scene after this development. South Africa could find itself in deep waters if Kapp is not at her absolute best.

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Prediction: With Australia and New Zealand in their group, it won't be a bed of roses for the Proteas to qualify for the knockout stages. But with home advantage on their side, the furthest that the Sune Luus-led unit might go is till the Semi-Final.

Also Read: Team Analysis for the Women's T20I World Cup 2023: Pakistan