T20 World Cup 2021: South Africa Predicted Playing XI against England

Billed as Group of Death before the start of the T20 World Cup from October 17, Group A has perfectly lived up to those lofty standards. Two teams are competing for the second spot, with only England placed comfortably at the top with 8 points. The remaining two teams South Africa and Australia are competing to grab that second spot and advance through to the semis.

South Africa have a chance to make the second spot their own by beating England in their last league match on Saturday (November 6). The task remains a challenge as the Three Lions have displayed a fearless and aggressive brand of cricket and have won four matches on the bounce. South Africa have to bring in the A-game, with the big players performing.

The Temba Bavuma-led team have won three matches after losing to Australia and have surprised the onlookers of the game by displaying a consistent brand of cricket. The bowling has looked menacing, to say the least, with the likes of Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Tabraiz Shamsi doing the job. The batting has been one a slight concern with some inconsistent performance. Against England, they need big players Quinton de Kock and David Miller to get going.

Here is South Africa’s predicted playing XI against England

Openers- Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks

Quinton de Kock has not looked at his fluent best in the ongoing 20-20 World. He was in good form during the T20Is in the lead-up to the showpiece event but has so far failed to get going in the three matches. South Africa will need to score big against England. Meanwhile, Hendricks failed against Bangladesh after impressing against West Indies. The duo’s good start upfront will be pivotal against England.

Middle-order- Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, David Miller

The middle-order has bailed the team out of trouble in the three matches so far. The likes of Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma played the anchor role to perfection. The pair was instrumental in South Africa getting over the line against Bangladesh in a run-chase of 85. On the other hand, Miller and Markram have lent the finishing touches by closing the matches well. The latter has been consistent in scoring runs, while the former finished the match against Sri Lanka.

All-rounder- Dwaine Pretorius

Pretorius has been street smart with his line and lengths. Often bowling the crucial middle overs he has maintained tight lines and lengths. The right-arm medium-pacer has so far taken 7 wickets in four games.

Bowlers- Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Shamsi has been relentless in the middle-overs. He has proved to be the trump card for Bavuma. Not only wickets, but the chairman bowler has been effective in also controlling the flow of runs in the crucial middle phase of the innings.

Pacer Anrich Nortje has also been effective in the power play and death overs. He has been the team’s most economical bowler conceding runs below six runs per over. Meanwhile, Rabada got back to form against Bangladesh. The pace spearhead picked up three wickets and was too hot to handle.