T20 World Cup 2022: Match 40 - Predicted South Africa Playing XI vs Netherlands

In order to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2022 and finish as the group leaders, South Africa desperately needs a win over the Netherlands. The team lost their last match against Pakistan and have put themselves in a complicated situation but nevertheless, will start as the favourites against the Dutch side, who are already eliminated from the competition.

Before bowing out of the tournament, the Netherlands team are expected to come hard against the Proteas and thus, the team needs to be cautious. As a batting unit, the Temba Bavuma-led side failed to put up a show against the Men in Green and that definitely needs to change in their match against the Netherlands at the Adelaide Oval.

Also, the dynamic David Miller and Keshav Maharaj missed the last game and the absence was definitely felt in their last match. So, will the duo return or will the Proteas go ahead with the same XI? Here’s how they can line up against the Scott Edwards-led side.

South Africa's Predicted XI against Netherlands

Opener - Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c)

The duo of Quinton De Kock and Temba Bavuma have failed to live up to their expectations so far in the tournament. After his poor run of form, captain Bavuma finally showed some glimpses of his form as he scored a quick 36 off 19 deliveries but that wasn’t enough for the Proteas to get a win. He is yet to play a match-winning knock and most importantly, he needs to be consistent and lead the team by example.

His opening partner Quinton De Kock has scored 111 from four matches so far in the tournament. Even though he batted at a strike rate of 173.43, the southpaw hasn’t been in his best form. He has the ability to change the complexion of a game at any given point and against the Netherlands, the 29-year-old would hope to find his mojo to help his team qualify for the semis and then to win their maiden T20 World Cup title.

Middle order – Rilee Rossouw, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs

Rilee Rossouw has been extremely inconsistent so far in the T20 World Cup. After his century against Bangladesh, he was expected to deliver match-winning knocks but that hasn’t been the case. The 33-year-old even failed to score in double digits following that. Now, against a relatively weak bowling attack of the Netherlands, he should get some runs and return back to his absolute best.

After missing the last game because of an injury threat, David Miller is likely to return back in the playing XI. He is expected to replace Heinrich Klassen, who failed to prove himself in the opportunity he got against Pakistan. Miller was ruthless in his last match against India and if he manages to live up to the expectations, he can definitely propel South Africa to the ICC glory.

Now, even though Tristan Stubbs hasn't been able to prove himself so far, the team management is likely to back the youngster against the Netherlands. He loves to play aggressive cricket and thus can prove to be really dangerous in the middle. The 22-year-old has a strike rate of 164.76 in T20Is and that proves the kind of damage he can do on his day.

All-rounders – Aiden Markram, Wayne Parnell

Batting at number four, Markram provides stability in South Africa’s batting order. He plays the role of an anchor and in the absence of Rassie Van Der Dussen, he has been very effective so far. His half-century against India changed the game as the Proteas could have been handed a defeat in that match. So far, the all-rounder has scored 82 runs in the tournament and didn’t bowl much.

Wayne Parnell is another such player who can be really dangerous in the middle. The bowling all-rounder has picked up five wickets so far in the tournament, including a three-wicket haul against India. He is yet to show his batting prowess but when and if time needs, he has the ability.

Bowlers –  Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

The scorching trio of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje have been deadly so far. Anrich Nortje himself has claimed 10 wickets so far in four matches while Rabada has two wickets so far but has been economical. The third in the trio, Lungi Ngidi absolutely decimated the Indian batters in their match and has picked up seven wickets so far in three matches. Thus, against the Netherlands at a seam-friendly track, these three pacers can cause havoc in the middle.

Shamsi will be the lone spinner in the playing XI as Keshav Maharaj is likely to remain unavailable. The spinner has played just two matches so far and has picked up four wickets. However, the pitch at Adelaide will be very different from that of Sydney and thus, it needs to be seen how he adjusts with the conditions.

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