SA v Afg World T20 Preview: Wounded Proteas can’t afford another blunder

South Africa will take on a spirited Afghanistan on a batting paradise in Mumbai knowing that another slip-up will cost them heavily in the World T20. England batted brilliantly the other day however South Africa made some horrendous blunders in the field which they can ill-afford against the Afghans. On paper, it looks a no contest however such is the nature of T20 cricket that South Africa will leave no room for complacency.

South Africa

The Proteas are desperate to shed their chokers tag but on Friday showed no evidence of the mettle required to win a major tournament as England successfully chased their imposing total. South Africa looked in the driving seat after posting 229-4 but poor bowling and a commanding 83 by Joe Root helped England set the record for the highest run-chase in World T20 history. Faf du Plessis’ side gave away 26 extras, while fast bowler Dale Steyn conceded 23 runs in just the second over, as Eoin Morgan’s England reached 230-8 with only two balls to spare.

South African players have admitted that the extras let them down against England. From a team of South Africa’s calibre who is known to be good in the field, such a shoddy display was a shocker for their fans who are expecting them to go all the way in the competition. One expects the  same side to feature against Afghanistan and the team’s bowlers will have to come up with a much-improved performance.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan had their moments in the match against Sri Lanka however were also guilty of too many fielding lapses. They will need a much better show against a strong South African batting lineup. Spinners Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan lead the wicket-takers’ list with sevens scalps each but are likely to find the going tougher on a surface without much grip or turn. But, against a South Africa middle-order that has historically gotten itself in a spin, they may eye an opportunity to add to their spoil.

Also read: India vs Pakistan World T20: India player ratings

Although few expect them to reach the knockouts, the Afghans will want to keep themselves in with a chance for longer than two matches. Advancing to the Super 10s was one thing, taking down a big name while they are there will be another. Skipper Asghar Stanikzai’s team, who have to play all their matches away from their war-torn home, defied the odds to cruise through the preliminary round before losing by six wickets to Sri Lanka. Destructive opener Mohammed Shahzad is their best chance of doing some damage to South Africa’s fragile bowling attack when they meet in the day match at the Wankhede.

Form guide: (last five completed games most recent first) 

South Africa LLLWW

Afghanistan LWWWW

Pitch and Conditions:

The captain that wins the toss will want to bowl first on a flat track at Wankhede that makes defending a herculean task. Both teams will back their strong batting unit to fire and make a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

Probable XI-

South Africa:  Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (capt), AB de Villiers, David Miller, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Abbott, Imran Tahir.

Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Asghar Stanikzai (capt), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Samiullah Shenwari, Shafiqullah, Dawlat Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan,  Hamid Hassan.

Stats:

1. South Africa and Afghanistan have met once before, at the 2010 World T20. South Africa won that match by 59 runs.

2. While South Africa lamented the 26 extras they gave away against England on Friday – the most in a T20 innings this year.

3. Mohammad Shahzad leads the batting charts for the Afghans in T20Is with 1295 runs including a ton and 9 fifties.