T20 World Cup 2021: South Africa Predicted Playing XI against Sri Lanka

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock managed to grab the majority of the eyeballs during the team’s last match against West Indies for not opting to take a knee for Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. He was not part of the playing XI, and Cricket South Africa (CSA) said in a statement that was due to personal reasons.

A senior player like de Kock’s withdrawal in the last minute might have rattled South Africa, but skipper Temba Bavuma regrouped the boys well. South Africa not only won the match against West Indies but have managed for time being to let the on-field noise do talking. The team played well in unison, and the likes of Anrich Nortje, Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen managed to have a great game.

The batters responded well and supported the bowlers well. With that confidence, they will take on Sri Lanka in their third match of the ongoing T20 World Cup on Saturday (October 30) at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The Proteas managed to beat Sri Lanka 3-0 in their backyard in September. Their spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj played a big part in the series win. Records and form count for little and South Africa would have to start from scratch.

Here is South Africa’s predicted playing XI against Sri Lanka

Openers- Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock

Hendricks, who replaced De Kock in the team, managed to do well against West Indies. He scored 39 runs and added a vital 57-run stand with van der Dussen for the second wicket. Wicketkeeper batter De Kock is set to play the game against Sri Lanka after apologizing to CSA. The 28-year-old has been in good form in T20Is this year and would expect the bat to do all the talking.

Skipper Bavuma, though, would love to have some runs under his belt. During both games against Australia and West Indies, he got out early. Bavuma would be looking to play the anchor role against Sri Lanka and allow the middle-order batters to go from bang from the onset.

Middle-order- Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Henrich Klassen, David Miller

The middle order is looking solid with two in-form batters van der Dussen and Aiden Markram in it. The latter has hardly put a foot wrong and so far has scored 41 and unbeaten 51 against Australia and West Indies respectively. Markram also scored the fastest 50 in competition in this year’s T20 World Cup so far.

The elegant right-hand batter took some pressure off from van der Dussen and allowed him to bat at his own pace. Van der dussen also chipped in with a useful contribution of 43 runs. Klassen and Miller were not needed to bat.

All-rounder- Dwaine Pretorius

Dwaine Pretorius has looked good with the ball in two matches so far. Against West Indies, he picked up three wickets and gave away 17 runs in two overs. The wickets included the dangerous duo of Pollard and Gayle. Pretorius has used his variations smartly and is difficult to get away with.

Bowlers- Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bowlers have been brilliant for South Africa. They have managed to keep the mighty batting lineup of Australia and West Indies quiet for a considerable amount of time. The spin twins Maharaj and Shamsi have perfectly complimented pacers Rabada and Nortje. The latter was phenomenal with the ball against West Indies and picked up one wicket and gave just 14 runs