T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest South Africa Predicted Playing XI against Australia

South Africa and Australia will battle it out against each other in the Match 13 of the T20 World Cup 2021. Taking into account the recent form of the teams, South Africa will enter this game as favorites. The Temba Bavuma-led side has won nine of their last ten matches and also exuded some great character in the practice matches by winning both the games.

The Proteas will thus enter this game with good winning momentum by their side. They have emerged triumphant in three consecutive series against defending champions West Indies, Ireland, and Sri Lanka. The team doesn’t possess some strong names like the previous South Africa sides as they make it to the tournament as a less talked about team.

When it comes to the openers, the South African side has a fair number of options under their sleeves. However, their major concern is their fragile middle-order and the absence of solid finishers. Heading into the opening fixture, the team will be all raring to put their ‘A’ game to the table.

Here is South Africa’s Playing XI against AUS vs SA Match:

Openers- Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram

Though Quinton de Kock couldn’t score big runs in warm-up games, he has been one of the most pivotal cogs of South Africa’s wheel. He would be the team’s first choice keeper-batter in the tournament. The team will pin a lot of hopes on him to provide the side with steady starts.

Aiden Markram, on the other hand, played impressive innings of 48 runs in the warm-up match against Afghanistan. His innings included two fours and as many sixes. The middle-order of the side has some key names but it has been unable to consistently pile up runs for the side. Thus, heading into this marquee event, Markram will be crucial in building a strong foundation for the side along with de Kock.

Middle Order- Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma (C), David Miller

In the recent T20I series, South Africa had struggled with their batting down the order. The middle-order wasn’t able to hold the fort of the side on many occasions as they registered low scores. However, their recent performances will be a big positive for the side.

Rassie van der Dussen hit a belligerent century in the practice match against Pakistan. His knock fashioned the team’s victory against the Babar-Azam-led side. He appeared in good form with the willow and is likely to feature in the playing XI for the opening fixture. Skipper Temba Bavuma too contributed valuable runs to the team in both the practice games.

He played decent innings of 31 and 46 in both games and will look forward to taking the momentum further for the side. Miller’s ability to send the ball out of the park makes him a must-pick in the match. He has a plethora of shots under his sleeves and will be an important part of the side in this mega event.

All-rounders- Heinrich Klaasen and Dwaine Pretorius

Klassen provides good depth to the side in batting. He comes in handy for batting in the middle order and can chip in crucial runs for the sides in crunch moments. He registered the figures of 11 and 14 in the warm-up matches against Afghanistan and Pakistan respectively but will aim to make a larger impact on the side.

Dwaine Pretorius also comes in handy with his all-rounder abilities. He might prove lethal with the ball on the slow wickets of Abu Dhabi. He also proves pivotal with the willow and can hit some belligerent shots to strengthen the team’s position.

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

Tabraiz Shamsi has been in exceptional form lately. He is certain to lead the spin attack of South Africa. After early doubts, he has been declared fit to play this game as well. Anrich Nortje displayed his flair in the recently concluded IPL and turned many heads with his pace.

Kagiso Rabada is also one of the strongest links of South Africa’s chain. He picked up three wickets and conceded 28 runs in his quota of overs in the warm-up match against Pakistan. Lungi Ngidi further strengthens the team’s fast bowling unit.