Why Tabraiz Shamsi is not playing T20 World Cup 2024 Match 45 between England vs South Africa?

England (ENG) took on South Africa (SA) in Match 45 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy Stadium, in St Lucia, on Friday, June 21. England won the toss and opted to bowl first. The defending champions fielded an unchanged playing XI for the crucial encounter, whereas, South Africa entered with one change. The Proteas brought Ottneil Baartman in at the expense of spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi.  

Shamsi was highly expensive against United States of America in the previous T20 World Cup 2024 game. Bowling a full quota of four overs, the spinner proved on the expensive side as he leaked a whopping 50 runs. Besides, he only managed to pick just one wicket in his forgetful spell. The move to drop him from the Proteas is an anticipated one as St Lucia has a reputation for assisting pacers more than spinners. 

“We're going to bowl first today. Fresh wicket, looks a good pitch. Maybe a little bit of moisture early on. Chased well the other day, so will back that formula again. Going with the same team. Obviously want to look after him as well as we can (Jofra). He's in a good place,” said Buttler at the toss.

“Would've also bowled first, just on the basis it's an early start and there's a bit of moisture. Most of the games moving forward we have to start well. Hopefully the boys are nice and fresh for today's challenge. Top-order needed it, spent some time out there. Reminder of how to score runs in this part of the world,” said Markram at the toss.

South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman.

England (Playing XI): Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w/c), Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley.