ICC World Cup 2019 – Match 15: SA vs WI – South Africa Predicted Playing XI

South Africa losing three games in a row is the least that they’d have expected before the start of the World Cup 2019. It has been that sort of a tournament for them where nothing seems to be going right. In all the three games that they have played thus far, batting has been a massive let down for the Proteas. None of the players has been able to take responsibility and get the big scores.

Yet again, it will be a massive test for them when they face the Windies. The bowling of the Caribbean side has been fiery and top-class in this tournament. Furthermore, the injuries woes seem to have increased for the Proteas team. Thus, they will have a few important calls to take on the game day.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for South Africa:

Openers (Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla)

Hashim Amla’s poor run in international cricket is continuing. He followed up his 13 against England with a 6 against India. The 36-year-old seems to be vulnerable when the ball is moving early on. He should possibly take a cue from the other openers in this tournament who have been successful. Amla should look to see off the first ten overs of the match without taking too many risks.

Quinton de Kock has also struggled after he registered that fifty against England. The wicket-keeper batsman was set up beautifully in the last game after a master ploy from Virat Kohli. De Kock has got to be careful with the ball pitched outside the off-stump early in his innings. He is amongst the most important batsmen in this line-up and must play better cricket.

Middle Order (Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller)

Faf du Plessis looked good in the previous game against India and was setting himself up for a big one before he was induced into a false shot by Yuzvendra Chahal. The South African skipper played down the wrong line and was castled. Fortunately for him, there aren’t any wrist-spinners in the Windies bowling attack and thus should look to bring out a better performance.

Rassie van der Dussen has had a groin injury. The intensity of the injury is not known yet and it remains an uncertainty if he’d play tomorrow. Thus, he could be assessed on the game day. If he is unfit, Aiden Markram will be slotted in the eleven. David Miller has been getting off to starts. However, it is important for him to convert those into substantial scores if he is to make a difference for his team.

All Rounders (JP Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris)

JP Duminy‘s form has been another concern for South Africa. Despite being one of the most experienced players in the team, the left-hander has struggled to fulfil his duties down the order. If he fails in this outing as well, the Proteas might have to be forced to consider Dwaine Pretorius in his place. Andile Phehlukwayo and Chris Morris will keep their places in the eleven.

Morris has shown great intensity in the last match. It’s been a while since we’ve seen him bat the way he did in the last match. He did well with the new ball as well but was unlucky not to get any wickets early on. Phehlukwayo did a fair job against India and looked to take the game deep. However, his temperament didn’t help his cause and he had to get out to a nothing shot. He should look to be slightly more responsible in the next match.

Bowlers (Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi)

Kagiso Rabada did an excellent job in the last match and bowled his heart out. He did everything he possibly could for his team but it wasn’t his day. The fast bowler should look to maintain the same kind of intensity in the game against Windies as well, at least with the new ball. The opposition will be put under tremendous pressure if he manages to pick two or three quick wickets.

South Africa is expected to continue with the two spinners. Most of the Windies players aren’t the best while facing wrist spin. So, the duo of Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi could look to test them. Since Beuran Hendricks has just arrived a few days ago, he might require some time to adjust to the conditions.