So we are entering the crunch time in the Group stages of the ICC World T20 2024. With Bangladesh with a win to their name. A crucial one against one of the top teams of Group D Sri Lanka. With Sri Lanka swept aside Bangladesh is now faced with their biggest opposition so far: South Africa.
A team that has won 2 in 2. Whilst the Proteas did struggle against the Dutch, they eventually got home to a relatively comfortable win. Questions remain on the ability of the South African to win crunch games. Whilst they are sitting pretty at the top at the moment in Group D, cricket is a sport where anything can happen. So looking at the next game against Bangladesh, a team that has performed well against South Africa in the past, there are a few things to look at.
Bangladesh – Not a Pushover for the South Africans
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There are no certainties in cricket. Whilst South Africa might be the more confident side going into this game, in terms of form and ability, the game against the Netherlands will them a few reasons for pause. Being reduced to 3 for 3 then 4 for 12 against the minnows is not a confidence booster. And this will no doubt be in the back of the South African player’s minds.
On the other side, the Bangladesh team will know the propensity of the South African team to choke in key encounters. Especially against opposition, they are expected to overcome. The historical chokers may have a slip-up in them, and the South Asian team must be ready to pounce. The question is, can they?
As a start, if Bangladesh is bowling first, the key is to restrict the powerful South African batting lineup. The team is filled with power hitters and some solid talent down the order. Doing so will entail picking up early wickets. A lot will rest on Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman who are likely to lead the attack, with Shakib Al Hasan providing some attacking slow bowling in the middle.
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South Africa – Chance to Stamp Their Mark on the Tournament
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South Africa have won both their games but they haven’t been pretty. Whilst it is too early to call, teams are likely to be sizing up their opposition as the business end of the tournament rolls in. And South Africa, if they are to live up to the name of the top T20 side need to make their mark.
The game against Bangladesh presents a great opportunity for the players to do just that. Either to put up a massive score if batting first and put pressure on the opposition or to dismiss the opponents cheaply and finish the game off quickly. And the Proteas certainly have the talent and power to do so.
However, in the pursuit of glory, they must not forget to perform. Cricket, like any sport, is ultimately about the result. For Bangladesh the equation is simple, restrict the opposition or defend a competitive total. The key is to not overthink it and to do the basic right.
