South Africa will lock horns with the United States (USA) in the first match of the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stage at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, on June 19.
The Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, are definitely high on confidence as they won all of their group matches however, they would be aware of their struggling batting lineup.
Having played all of their matches in the USA, the Proteas are strangers to the Caribbean conditions — unlike other Super 8 sides like West Indies, Afghanistan, Australia, and England — and they would need to read the conditions carefully to start their Super 8 campaign on a high note.
Their bowling has been spectacular, with the likes of Anrich Nortje and Marco Jense all starring with the ball but the same would be required from their batting unit. Reeza Hendricks, Markram, and Quinton de Kock have all struggled in the T20 World Cup so far.
On the other hand, it has been a fairytale journey for the USA. They began their World Cup campaign with an emphatic win over Canada where they chased down the massive 195-run target in 17.4 overs. They went on to upset Pakistan after a thrilling Super Over while their match against Ireland was washed out following a defeat against India.
The USA will surely count on their skipper Monank Patel to once again step up and play a captain’s knock and Aaron Jones, who etched his name in the history books against Canada, to do what he does best. In bowling, they will have high expectations from Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan.
Match time
Local time: 10:30AM (June 19)
GMT: 2:30PM (June 19)
PST: 7:30PM (June 19)
Pitch conditions
Compared to many other tracks in the West Indies, the surface in North Sound favours the batters. In four matches played at the venue so far, the average scoring rate in an over is 8.17. Spinners will have an edge here due to strong winds covering the stadium.
Likely lineups
USA: Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (c/wk), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi
Prediction:
South Africa to continue their winning streak and begin the Super 8 with yet another victory.
