T20 World Cup 2022: Match 18 - Predicted South Africa Playing XI vs Zimbabwe

South Africa will kick off their 2022 T20 World Cup campaign in Australia against minnows Zimbabwe, who qualified for the Super 12 stage after playing the qualifiers. The Proteas humiliated New Zealand in their only warm-up game to send a warning to all the other participants in the tournament.

The Protean side are one of the contenders for this year's edition as they have a well-rounded squad that can finally end their hoodoo in ICC tournaments. They have a favorable opening fixture against fellow African side Zimbabwe, but won't make the mistake of taking them lightly.

Let’s look at South Africa's probable playing XI against Zimbabwe:

Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk) and Temba Bavuma (c)

South Africa's opening batter Quinton de Kock is one of the most crucial members of this Protean side. The explosive southpaw has been entrusted for providing a brisk start to the team across formats, something he has done in swashbuckling style over the years. He would be eyeing to start the T20 World Cup campaign with a bang against Zimbabwe.

Temba Bavuma's form has been a worry for the South African team management, but they are backing the Protean skipper to come good in the tournament. His place in the side has been heavily scrutinized but so far he remains the pick for the management.

Middle-order: Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, and David Miller (wk)

South Africa's middle order has been solidified since the arrival of Rilee Rossouw in the squad after a lengthy hiatus from the national squad. The southpaw has already notched up a century in the shortest format since his return and is showing no signs of slowing as of yet.

Aiden Markram is one of the most elegant batters in white-ball cricket at the moment. The stylish batter is currently placed at the fourth position in the T20I rankings for batters and is not shy of playing the big shots if needed. Lack of consistency has been the biggest issue with the Protean till now.

David Miller is arguably South Africa's most important player in the current T20 setup. His experience and batting exploits will play a huge role in his side's T20 World Cup campaign this year. As long as he is at the crease, South Africa can think of the unthinkable thanks to his incredible power-hitting abilities.

All-rounders: Tristan Stubbs and Andile Phehlukwayo

Tristan Stubbs is another promising young talent who has emerged for the Proteas in the last six months. The 22-year old has already shown his capabilities with the bat and in the field in the T20I series against England a couple of months ago. His long levers will provide the impetus for the African outfit in the latter stages of the innings.

Dwaine Pretorius's injury ahead of the T20 World Cup was a huge blow for the South African unit. But thankfully they have a like-for-like replacement in Andile Phehlukwayo. Although he is not in the same mold as Pretorious with the bat in hand, his canny variations with the ball can trouble the best of batters.

Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

South Africa's senior bowler Keshav Maharaj has been one of the unsung heroes for the side throughout his career. An efficient cricketer who never shies away from bowling the tough overs. His ability to generate turn on the tough Australian pitches will be tested in this year's edition.

One of the most fierce competitors in the game, Kagiso Rabada will be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling at the Australian pitches which suits the pacers. Rabada's exploits with the new ball will be key for South Africa in the upcoming fixtures.

Anrich Nortje will be accompanying Rabada with the new ball, a partnership that can dismantle any batting line-up in the world. While Rabada has plenty to say to the batters every now and then, Nortje expresses his feelings by dishing out unplayable thunderbolts. He is another bowler who would love the Australian conditions.

Lungi Ngidi adds another dimension to the South African pace attack with his variations and death-bowling prowess. Ngidi is known for extracting uneven bounce and his ability at death will be aided by the longer boundaries in Australia.

South Africa predicted XI against Zimbabwe:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi