South Africa Predicted Playing 11 vs Afghanistan for Semifinal 1 of 2024 T20 World Cup
South Africa will face off against Afghanistan in the first semifinal of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Trinidad on Thursday, June 27. The Proteas are unbeaten in the competition so far and are aiming to reach their first-ever T20 World Cup final.
South Africa haven't been overly convincing in the competition, but they've managed to get over the line by clinching crunch moments. While they could ponder a couple of changes due to poor form, they are unlikely to follow through on them for such an important contest.
South Africa's squad for 2024 T20 World Cup: Aiden Markram (c), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
On that note, here is South Africa's predicted playing XI for their 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal against Afghanistan.
Openers: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk)
Reeza Hendricks hasn't had a great time in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has either fallen cheaply or been bogged down at the crease, leading to additional pressure falling on the middle-order batters.
But while Ryan Rickelton remains an option, South Africa are unlikely to make such a change late in the competition. It wouldn't be the worst idea if they went through with it, but Afghanistan have a world-class off-spinner in Mohammad Nabi, who could enjoy bowling to two left-handers.
Quinton de Kock has been excellent at the top of the order and is the team's leading run-scorer. He will have his task cut out against Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, not to mention the spinners.
Middle Order: Aiden Markram (c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen
Captain Aiden Markram hasn't played any notable knocks in the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he is the kind of player to come good under pressure. He's also led the team well and has been sensational on the field.
Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs will once again make up the middle order. Klaasen, in particular, will be essential while countering Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad.
Marco Jansen, who has blown hot and cold, is another key cog in the side. He could be due a good performance.
Lower Order: Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
Ottneil Baartman was a decent addition to the XI at the start of the tournament in the United States but has been replaced by Tabraiz Shamsi in the West Indies. Shamsi has been tough to play for the most part and is expected to retain his spot.
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje will make up the pace attack, leaving Gerald Coetzee on the bench once again. Keshav Maharaj will be one of Markram's trump cards in Trinidad.