The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to kick off with the first match on June 1. This tournament will have a total of 20 teams competing to become the new champion. Four groups are divided into five teams each, and only two teams from each group will make it through the Super 8. South Africa are part of Group D, along with Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
They will play their opening game on June 3 against Sri Lanka. This is a very tough group because every team are looking good. Aiden Markram will be leading the team into the mega event, and South Africa looks very ready to compete as one of the favorites to win here. However, their record in T20 World Cups isn’t that good, but they will hope to do better this time around. So let’s do the SWOT analysis of South Africa for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
Travelling reserves: Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
South Africa’s Strength for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Great Batting Order
South Africa have been a bowling-dominant team, but the way they have evolved in the last few years with the bat has been commendable. They played in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India with an aggressive approach and posted some great totals. That might be their similar approach in the coming tournament with a star-dubbed batting unit. It will start with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks, followed by the captain, Aiden Markram. The middle orders will see the likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller. The trio of Klaasen, Stubbs, and Miller can certainly win the games from any position.
2. Variety in Bowling Unit
South Africa have always entered big tournaments with a good bowling attack. That is pretty similar here as well. The pitches are expected to be slow, and South Africa have three different kinds of spinners in the squad: Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, and BJ Fortuin. This will give them variety in their spin department. Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack, and he is good with both new and old balls. Gerald Coetzee, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, and Marco Jansen are other good pace-bowling options in the team.
South Africa’s Weaknesses for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
1. Not having the option of all-rounders
A genuine all-rounder is very important in a big ICC tournament because a player who can add value in both departments is gold for any team. But that is what is lacking with the current South African team. Only Marco Jansen is someone who can contribute to both departments. For South Africa, Klaasen, Hendricks, De Kock, Miller, and Stubbs don’t bowl at all, leaving the team with few choices. Jansen is likely to bat at No. 7, and if South Africa lose some early wickets, they will be under pressure. Adding to that, their bowlers need to bowl tightly because if someone has a bad day, there are no other options.
2. Batting against Spin
South African players are excellent in fast and bouncy conditions, but the pitches to be offered in the coming tournament will be totally opposite. It will be slow, and with an uneven bounce, that will be a big challenge for any batter. That is when South Africa might find themselves in trouble. Adding to that, their ability to play against spin will be tested. Playing against quality spin is always a big challenge, and South Africa doesn’t have many spin-specialist batters in their ranks.
Threat for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
The biggest worry for South Africa can be the form of their bowling. Kagiso Rabada had a decent IPL 2024, but Anrich Nortje was too expensive. Gerald Coetzee also had an average tournament. Adding to that, the economy rate of South African bowlers in the final overs is not good, which can be a game-changer. Adding to that, South Africa have picked up three spinners, and all three are left-arm spinners, which is good against right-handers but might not be effective against left-handers. So, the opponent can also plan according to their spinners.
Opportunities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
South Africa have only one ICC trophy in their kitty, which was the 1998 Champions Trophy. But since then, they have been disappointing at the ICC events. But they have a great chance to end that streak. With the batting order they have, they can pose a challenge for any team. They recently played the semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023, and if they can do well, they can go a long way in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Strongest Playing XI for South Africa in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 (Predicted)
Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi