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South Africa’s T20 round-up

 

By: Lynn Butler

In the five previous editions of the T20 World Cup, South Africa has progressed to all ‘Super Eight’ rounds but has only managed one semi-final appearance, in 2009, in which they fell short by seven runs against Pakistan. The infamous tag ‘chokers’ has been jabbed, poked and shoved at every possible direction towards the Proteas and I can’t say that the tag is entirely unfair as the Proteas have, at times, acknowledged its validity.

 

Earlier this month, the U19 South African cricket team beat Pakistan in the U19 Cricket World Cup Final in Dubai by six wickets. This feat is the first time any South African cricket team has ever won an ICC trophy, breaking the ‘choking’ barrier that the Proteas have helplessly tried to scale.

 

This year’s T20 World Cup in late March will put South Africa to the test once again in pressure and knock-out circumstances. South Africa will find it encouraging that they do not come as ‘favourites’ into the event and may see this as an advantage. South Africa boasts an inexperienced and youthful side with a few experienced T20 specialists. This squad, looking from the sheet line-up, looks like South Africa’s best T20 side as they come fresh off a successful domestic RamSlam T20 tournament in February.

GAS asked some South African supporters what they thought of South Africa’s chances:

 

“No, we’re going to choke again. We’re useless. We can’t bat… look at the Australian series.” – Paul.

 

“I think we need luck. We have a new side, new faces. De Kock is the best example. All our batsman must bat like him. Also, as a Cape Cobra fan, I’m happy that Beuran is in the squad, he is a very good bowler. I think our chances are good.” – Sidney.

South Africa is in Group 1 with Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England and Netherlands.

Here are the five South African players to keep an eye on during the tournament taking place in Bangladesh, which started on the 16th of March with South Africa played their first fixture on the 22nd of March against 2014 Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka.

Beuran Hendricks

The Nashua Mobile Cape Cobra bowler shone in the RamSlam T20 competition, sending the Cobras into a home final against the Dolphins. Hendricks picked up a record 23 wickets at an average of 10.28. The left-hander also picked up a lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) contract with Kings XI Punjab for R3.1 million. The 23-year-old hasn’t played much International cricket and his contribution and newness to the Protea’s set-up will definitely be something to watch.

Quinton de Kock

Just four runs short of leading run-scorer of the 2014 RamSlam T20 player David Miller, de Kock made 379 runs off 10 matches under tough circumstances as his team failed to make the semi-finals. However, that did not stop the 21-year-old from destroying several bowling attacks. De Kock, who is the new bright face in the Protea line-up, has already cemented himself in the T20 squad opening with veteran Hashim Amla. His contribution will be important as he prepares himself for his first World Cup appearance.

Albie Morkel

The T20 veteran makes a return to International cricket after a two-year absence. The explosive left-hander, who has a strike rate of 142.73, will bring the inexperienced team some handy tips as he is the most experienced T20 player in South Africa. The 32-year-old all-rounder will not only contribute with his massive hard-hitting but will also offer captain Faf du Plessis another bowling option. He is the man who can get South Africa out of sticky situations and has done many times so since his T20 International debut in 2005.

David Miller

The big-hitting left-hander scored 383 runs at an average of 47.87 and guided the Sunfoil Dolphins to their first title in eight years after defeating the Cobras by two runs in the RamSlam T20 competition. Miller had the highest score of 93 not out off 37 balls and a strike rate of 153.20. His contribution to the squad will be vital. The phrase ‘It’s Miller Time’ doesn’t exist for nothing.

Aaron Phangiso

Aaron Phangiso has turned into one of the Proteas T20 front-line spinners, along with Robin Peterson. The left-arm orthodox bowler impressed in the limited overs format with his domestic team, the Highveld Lions. Phangiso, who will probably get picked before Lions teammate Imran Tahir, will be an important factor in Bangladesh as the sub-continent conditions will favour his bowling.

South Africa’s 15-man squad for the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup in Bangladesh:

 

Faf du Plessis (captain.), Hashim Amla (vice-captain), AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Beuran Hendricks, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Imran Tahir, Aaron Phangiso.

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