South-Africa. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
A country full of legends and greats, South Africa have yet not managed to win an ICC Championship. Most of the years, they start as favourites but every time it ends with tears. The previous generation featuring AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Chris Morris, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir, was destined for great things, at least in the shortest format, but be it for luck or poor strategy, they couldn’t get the job done.
What makes South Africa the favourite to win the T20 World Cup 2024? Nothing. They had serious match-winners back in time and this year too, they have players who can be ruthless on the field and most importantly, be clinical. Yet, the proteas won’t be starting as favourites. They have a serious chance of lifting the trophy this time around but a lot of things need to go in their favour for the dream to come true.
West Indies whitewashed South Africa in their recent three-match series. The visitors did miss the services of some key players like captain Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada but the available players were extremely poor when it came to execution. Veteran batter Quinton de Kock made just 64 runs in three matches, while Ryan Rickelton amassed 43 runs in the same number of matches.
Among bowlers, Andile Phehlukwayo picked five wickets – most by any South Africa cricketer but interestingly, he isn’t part of the T20 World Cup squad. Overall, the team management needs to address a lot of problems and cannot hide behind the availability of players. Defeat in all three matches against West Indies just ahead of the mega tournament is not just demoralising but it shows that the team is not prepared and hasn’t come up with a strategy to play in those conditions.
However, not everything seems bad at the moment. The inclusion of Markram, Klaasen, Jansen, and Rabada will surely boost their confidence. Klaasen was phenomenal in IPL 2024, as he hit 479 runs in 16 matches at a sensational strike rate of 171.07. On the other hand, Markram is a proven leader. He helped Sunrisers Eastern Cape to two SA20 titles and his leadership will be crucial for the team’s success.
Here are some of the points that explain South Africa’s strengths and weaknesses for the T20 World Cup and where they currently stand in the race.
Attention to Detail- Strengths
One aspect to watch out for is the team composition. South Africa have struck a balance between experienced players and young talents to create a well-rounded squad. The likes of Tristan Stubbs, Jansen, and Coetzee will be vital for them in the tournament. Stubbs was fantastic in the 17th edition of the IPL, scoring 378 runs in 14 matches at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 190.90. On the other hand, Coetzee picked up 13 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 26.23. Jansen meanwhile didn’t play enough games in the IPL but he can be lethal with both bat and ball.
Klaasen’s form will be key for them to cross the line. He is currently one of the best batters in the shortest format of the game and can finish things for the team. However, the 32-year-old needs support from other batters. Meanwhile, the conditions will suit Markram’s way of playing and he too will be key. Other than that, he is a handy spinner and can make a difference with the ball as well.
The bowling department is stacked with quality players. The duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje is extremely dangerous but they need to adapt to the conditions as soon as possible. Among spinners, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will be key and they can deliver under pressure, which is important.
Achilles’ Heel- Weaknesses
Quinton de Kock’s form is a concern. In T20 cricket, the openers play a massive role and the South Africa keeper-batter hasn’t shown any glimpse of him being in form. He was even dropped at one stage from the Lucknow Super Giants squad in the IPL. The same can be said for David Miller. The power-hitter has got all the talent in the world and is a run-away match-winner but his form is a bit concerning.
South Africa’s biggest Achilles’ heel has been their inability to maintain consistent performance under pressure. Despite fielding powerful teams, they have failed to clinch major titles, earning the unfortunate label of ‘Chokers.’ Notably, the Proteas have never reached the final of this competition, often bowing out in the group stages or semifinals. To change their future, they need to be mentally ready for all the challenges.
They are in the same group as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal and needless to say, it won’t be an easy task for them in the group stage. The sub-continent teams have a good spin department and it would be a challenge for the Proteas.
The Crowning moment- Opportunities
South Africa have the opportunity of winning their maiden ICC world championship. They have done everything possible but fell short every time. This time too, the players would be desperate and that can put fire in their bellies to win the trophy. Meanwhile, South Africa would be aware of the conditions since they have spent some time in the West Indies, which is a massive advantage.
The Perfect Storm- Threats
Ace pacer Kagiso Rabada is currently dealing with an injury. He left the Punjab Kings squad early with a soft tissue infection in his lower limb and also skipped the series against West Indies. Meanwhile, he needs to play all the matches of the T20 World Cup as South Africa haven’t named any other black cricketers in the squad and it is mandatory for the Proteas to field at least one. However, in case he misses out, Lungi Ngidi will replace him. However, that is unlikely at the moment.
South Africa’s reserve bowling unit too is not looking good. In case any of their key bowlers suffer an injury, there isn’t a proper backup option available.
