ICC World Cup 2019 – Match 25: NZ vs SA – South Africa Predicted Playing XI

South Africa have themselves to blame for the hat-trick of losses right at the start of the tournament. Their batsmen let the team down on all the three instances and it was a nightmare of a beginning. Furthermore, their match against the Windies was washed out which potentially cost them one point. However, when they walked out on to the field for the game against Afghanistan, the players seemed to have a different attitude.

Each of them gave their best on the field and there was never a dull moment even though the opposition was weak. They look to maintain the same kind of intensity as they face New Zealand in their next game. The Kiwis are yet to be beaten in the tournament and it won’t be easy for the Proteas. Yet, they can hope for the best possible result if they manage to put their hundred per cent on the field.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for South Africa

Openers (Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla)

Quinton de Kock has had an on and off tournament so far with the bat. After the fifty in the first game against England, he had two mediocre outings. He seemed to have started well against Windies but the rain interruption meant that he couldn’t bat again. But in the match against Afghanistan, he ensured that he batted positively and got a 68 from 72 balls.

This should possibly bolster his confidence as he heads into the next encounter. Hashim Amla, meanwhile, has faced 83 balls against Afghanistan after four consecutive failures. The time that he has spent out in the middle must keep him in a good headspace. Amla will look to carry the momentum forward and provide his team with a good start.

Middle Order (Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller)

Batting has been a trouble for South Africa in this tournament. They seem to have identified the issue and added weight to the department. Even though they had to let an all-rounder or an extra bowler go, this should possibly be the combination for the next game as well. Aiden Markram, who didn’t get a chance to bat in the last game, might get another chance.

But it shouldn’t be a surprise if they opt for JP Duminy considering the number of all-rounders in the opposition. Faf du Plessis will bat at number three or four depending upon the player they pick and Rassie van der Dussen will follow him in the batting order. David Miller has got off to starts but hasn’t converted them into substantial scores. He will, in all likelihood, be in the playing eleven and should look to make it big this time around.

All Rounders (Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris)

Andile Phehlukwayo and Chris Morris have been the trusted all-rounders for South Africa. They have both done a good job with the ball bowling economical spells and picking important wickets. Phehlukwayo was also promoted up the order to bat at number three in the last game.

The left-hander ensured that he stayed in the middle right till the end and finished the chase for his team. Morris could be the finisher if he gets an opportunity to bat. If the team loses a few quick wickets, these two will have massive responsibilities on their shoulders.

Bowlers (Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi)

Kagiso Rabada has been one of the most impressive bowlers in the South African line-up. He has bowled quick and used the new ball really well. Against Afghanistan, the pacer picked up one wicket in 8 overs. Rabada is expected to be joined by the likes of Lungi Ngidi in the next game. He is hopeful of returning to the eleven after recovering from the injury.

Ngidi will be replacing Beuran Hendricks in the side. Imran Tahir will be the lone spinner in the team. He was absolutely on fire in the last match where he picked up four wickets. His role with the ball will be critical in the next game.