A spirited, impressive-looking South Africa faced an unlikely, unpredictable Sri Lanka in their Super 12 game at the T20 World Cup in Sharjah on Saturday afternoon, TOI takes a look at the key things to look forward to in the clash…
Spotlight on the return of QDK
All set to return to XI after apologizing for his action and agreeing to take a knee for the BLM movement, the star ‘keeper-batsman’ quinton de kock Everyone’s eyes will be crazy. De Kock created a storm when he opted out of the match against West Indies as he refused to be a part of the team’s anti-racism gesture mandated by Cricket South Africa. However, on Thursday, the flamboyant opener made himself available by apologizing and said it was okay to take a knee if it “educates others”.
Markram in great rhythm, but not Captain Bavuma
If de Kock makes a comeback, it will be interesting to see how South Africa fits in to Reeza Hendrix, who did a good job scoring 39 off 30 balls in the absence of a left arm. On his behalf, Captain Temba Bavuma, apart from hoping that de Kock and the team put the crisis behind and focus on the World Cup, will also hope to score some runs themselves with scores of 12 and 2.
Their win against West Indies was characterized by a classy performance by their No. 4 bat Aiden Markram, who smashed an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls to set the Proteas’ chase. South Africa’s middle-order looks credible, with Rassie van der Dussen, who bats at the final No. 3, backing them well with an unbeaten 43 in the last game.
South Africa’s bowling attack looks complete
The fast battery of Proteas is firing on all cylinders. While Kagiso Rabada and Enrique NortjeDwayne Pretorius took a wicket against West Indies for just 14 runs in four overs, softening the batsmen with raw pace and bounce, Dwayne Pretorius keeping the pressure up with his variety and accuracy. The way Nortje and Pretorius bowled at the back end of the innings in the last match was commendable, taking four wickets in the last two overs. Backing this dangerous speed machine is a high quality spin attack in the part time off spin of Tabrez Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Markram.
Sri Lanka’s twin spin threat
Mahesh Thikshana, who dismissed Finch and Glenn Maxwell on the second night, and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga are expected to be a threat.
Spotlight on the return of QDK
All set to return to XI after apologizing for his action and agreeing to take a knee for the BLM movement, the star ‘keeper-batsman’ quinton de kock Everyone’s eyes will be crazy. De Kock created a storm when he opted out of the match against West Indies as he refused to be a part of the team’s anti-racism gesture mandated by Cricket South Africa. However, on Thursday, the flamboyant opener made himself available by apologizing and said it was okay to take a knee if it “educates others”.
Markram in great rhythm, but not Captain Bavuma
If de Kock makes a comeback, it will be interesting to see how South Africa fits in to Reeza Hendrix, who did a good job scoring 39 off 30 balls in the absence of a left arm. On his behalf, Captain Temba Bavuma, apart from hoping that de Kock and the team put the crisis behind and focus on the World Cup, will also hope to score some runs themselves with scores of 12 and 2.
Their win against West Indies was characterized by a classy performance by their No. 4 bat Aiden Markram, who smashed an unbeaten 51 off 26 balls to set the Proteas’ chase. South Africa’s middle-order looks credible, with Rassie van der Dussen, who bats at the final No. 3, backing them well with an unbeaten 43 in the last game.
South Africa’s bowling attack looks complete
The fast battery of Proteas is firing on all cylinders. While Kagiso Rabada and Enrique NortjeDwayne Pretorius took a wicket against West Indies for just 14 runs in four overs, softening the batsmen with raw pace and bounce, Dwayne Pretorius keeping the pressure up with his variety and accuracy. The way Nortje and Pretorius bowled at the back end of the innings in the last match was commendable, taking four wickets in the last two overs. Backing this dangerous speed machine is a high quality spin attack in the part time off spin of Tabrez Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj and Markram.
Sri Lanka’s twin spin threat
Mahesh Thikshana, who dismissed Finch and Glenn Maxwell on the second night, and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga are expected to be a threat.
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