"You can ask Pakistan about what happens if you lose to the USA" - Aakash Chopra on South Africa's 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 clash vs co-hosts
Aakash Chopra has warned South Africa against taking the United States of America lightly in their 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 clash. He noted that the Proteas, like Pakistan, could be knocked out of the tournament if they lose to the co-hosts.
South Africa are clubbed alongside the USA, England, and the West Indies in Group 2 of the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup. They will begin their Super 8 campaign against Monank Patel and company in Antigua on Wednesday, June 19.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised South Africa for their all-win record in the preliminary group stage. However, the former India opener observed that Aiden Markram's team cannot afford to lose to the USA.
"Since South Africa were in Group D, they have reached here after playing matches in the USA, so they didn't get good conditions. However, the truth is that the team has played incredibly well. They didn't lose even a single game. It's a different story that they survived when they were about to lose against Nepal. They have played very well on the back of their bowling might," he said (8:30).
"They do have a very good team. Although I feel they might not qualify for the semi-finals, it will be mandatory to win this game because this is your potential banana skin. You have to win at least one game against either England or the West Indies, it's great if you win both, but you cannot lose to the USA. You can ask Pakistan about what happens if you lose to the USA," Chopra added.
David Miller (101), Tristan Stubbs (73), and Heinrich Klaasen (72) were South Africa's top three run-getters in their first four games. While Anrich Nortje (9) has been their highest wicket-taker, Tabraiz Shamsi accounted for four dismissals in his only game.
"No one expected them to reach here but they have done that job" - Aakash Chopra on the USA
Speaking about the United States of America, Aakash Chopra noted that they have exceeded most people's expectations.
"The USA have done a very good job thus far. In fact, they have qualified for the next T20 World Cup as well. They would have come with expectation and confidence but no one expected them to reach here but they have done that job," he said (7:35).
The cricketer-turned-commentator picked Monank Patel, Aaron Jones, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, and Steven Taylor as their players to watch out for against South Africa.
"Who are their main players? Monank Patel is their captain, who is playing very well. Some of Aaron Jones' innings have been extremely beautiful. The way he destroyed Canada was beautiful. Saurabh Netravalkar has been very good. Ali Khan bowls very well. Everyone remembers Steven Taylor's catch but he also bats very well. So they do have a decent team," Chopra observed.
Jones (141), Andries Gous (102), and Patel (66) are the USA's top three run-getters. Netravalkar (4) has been their highest wicket-taker, with Khan and Nosthush Kenjige accounting for three dismissals apiece.