T20 World Cup 2022: Match 22 - Predicted South Africa Playing XI vs Bangladesh

After the rain-hampered game against Zimbabwe, all eyes will be on South Africa for their encounter against Bangladesh in Match 22 of the T20 World Cup 2022. The Proteas looked like sealing a comprehensive victory in their previous game until rain spoiled their party and the game was called off with just 13 runs needed. They have taken just a point from the match, which now has opened up their group wide.  

With tough games to come later, South Africa has to win the upcoming fixture against Bangladesh by a big margin to make sure they get the entry ticket to the semi-finals. The Proteas have got the resources in both batting and bowling departments to do that and are strong contenders to make it to the knockouts. 

One of the areas that could be a concern is Temba Bavuma’s form and it would have been perfect if the captain spent enough time at the crease against Zimbabwe. With all that said, let us look at South Africa’s probable predicted playing XI against Bangladesh. 

Openers – Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c)

Quinton de Kock looked like he was playing on a different planet in the previous game against Zimbabwe. The left-hander showed his brutal power with the bat and it is going to be difficult to stop him with the kind of form he is in. A lot will be expected from the wicketkeeper-batter in the upcoming fixture.  

Temba Bavuma has struggled of late with form idespite his leadership being quite impressive. The 32-year-old did not play enough balls against Zimbabwe to regain his form and the upcoming encounter will be crucial to Bavuma’s future. The right-hander is facing tough competition from in-form batter Reeza Hendricks who had to be sacrificed in the dug-out.  

Middle order – Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs 

Rilee Rossouw is one of the top T20 batters going around and he has enough experience in the format to step up for the side. The left-hander is immensely talented although he hasn’t played much for South Africa due to his Kolpak deal signing, he recently scored a T20I century in India to prove his worth. He has got the game to accelerate when needed. 

Aiden Markram has an average of above 40 and a strike rate of more than 150 in T20Is. The right-hander has a crucial role to play as he is the only batter in the top six batters who can bowl with conviction. He is an excellent player of spin and is capable of bailing the side out in tough situations apart from his hard hitting skills.

David Miller is back at his best in the last one year or so and it is a huge positive, especially with the kind of impact he can have on the opposition. Popularly known as ‘Killer Miller’, the 33-year-old can take down any bowling attack on his day. His experience in the format will be a notable factor for South Africa and his ability to win games on his own makes him a huge asset.  

Tristan Stubbs did not get an opportunity with the bat in the previous game but he can hit a long ball without any doubt. The right-hander did impress in the England tour with the knock he played in Bristol where he hit eight sixes and is a genuine six-hitter of the highest order. He can demolish bowling attacks and is likely to turn the heads around him once the tournament progresses.  

All Rounders – Wayne Parnell, Keshav Maharaj 

Wayne Parnell had a fantastic outing with the ball with figures of 1 for 6 in his two overs in the previous outing. The left-arm seamer has been thriving on the Australian conditions due to the bounce it offers and he is expected to trouble the Bangladesh top-order. 

Keshav Maharaj has been picked as the only spinner in the playing XI and has the edge over Tabraiz Shamsi with his dual role in the side. The left-arm spinner has got good control over his lines and lengths and often cramps the batters for room. The vice-captain of the side is going through a brilliant phase in international cricket in all the formats.

Bowlers  - Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi 

Kagiso Rabada has not made his presence felt in the recent times despite the odd performances coming through and he will be looking to get back at his clinical best. The speedster has got the skills to knock over any opposition and he is tough to play against when he is on song.  

Anrich Norje will definitely be among the quickest pacers in the tournament and his raw pace is expected to be handy in Australian conditions. He finished with 1 for 10 in his two overs against Zimbabwe and the long boundaries at SCG will help him to use this short pitch balls.

Lungi Ngidi is a wicket-taking option with the ball always and he has the knack of getting breakthroughs whenever the skipper needs it desperately. The right-arm seamer is quite underrated and has the capability to surprise the batters with his consistent good-length bowling.