So we are into the Super 8 Stage of the ICC World T20 2024. And rather fittingly it is the co-host the United States who will be kicking things off. Their opponent is the ever-dangerous but also ever-unpredictable South Africa. It is going to be an interesting game with both sides looking to capitalize on the form they built up in the Group stages.
Whilst South Africa is clearly the favorite going in, cricket can be a funny game. Just ask Pakistan. And the way the Americans have been performing, on a given day anything could happen. Whilst South Africa has the power and experience, the US brings with them that element of unpredictability, that can potentially upset any team.
South Africa Must Avoid the Batting Collapse
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One of the problems for the Proteas in big tournaments has been their tendency to lose to relatively or in some cases, much weaker opposition. The defeat to the Netherlands in last year’s ODI World Cup would still be fresh in their minds. And the main catalyst for the defeat was the brittle batting at the top. This is a problem the South Africans need to fix fast.
In contrast to another powerful team like Australia, what the Proteas lack is the ability to deliver and deliver consistently no matter the playing conditions or opposition. The reason why Australia have proven to be such a formidable side is that they rarely, if ever, slip up. This cannot be said about the South Africans. And the American side, with wicket-taking bowlers like Nosthush Kenjige and Saurabh Netravalkar, is not going to be a pushover.
United States Must Exploit South Africa’s Lack of Stability
If both sides play to their fullest potential then there is going to be only one result: a South African win. So the United States cannot let that happen. Much will depend on how the American bowlers deal with the South African top order. Which, whilst strong, is also prone to collapse. And with some tight attacking bowling that is exactly what the US should be vying for and they have the players to do it. The question is can they deliver on the day?
On the batting side, if the US manage to restrict the Proteas to a manageable score, then they have proven that batting well is not too big a challenge. This takes us to the venue and match conditions for the game. The Sir Viv Richards Stadium where the first Super 8 game will be played is a difficult one to assess. Historically it has favored both batsmen and bowlers. But it is no way a belter. So there needs to be more thought on the part of whoever wins the toss.
An Upset Could be on the Cards
Could. Nothing is certain in sports. Whilst America has proven itself to be a strong side, the opposition is no pushover. The key for the United States is to get the basics right and hope the Proteas go into panic mode. For South Africa, it would be the opposite. If batting first, get a decent target and put pressure on the opposition. Or chase down whatever target without losing too many wickets up top. This is easier said than done. But that is cricket for you.
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