Team Preview: Can South Africa finally win an ICC event?

South Africa 15 Man Squad for T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Rillee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen.

South Africa haven't played as much T20I matches recently as some of the other nations but they won the series against England and Ireland back in July and August while lost 1-2 to India just a few weeks back. They also won their only warm up game quite comfortably against the Black Caps.

Batting

The form of Temba Bavuma and whether he deserves a place in this Protea side is up for a debate but right now he's their captain and in charge of leading them in Australia. Quinton deKock, Bavuma's opening partner, himself hasn't been good usual self with the bat in hand.

Number 3 spot should go to Rillee Rossouw while Aiden Markram should go into number 4. David Miller, one of Stubbs/ Reeza and Klassen make up a powerful lower middle order for the South African side.

Bowling

The injury to Dwaine Pretorius just before the tournament is a huge blow for them as he's their designated all rounder but Marco Jensen, drafted in his place could do some real damage to opposing batsmen with his pace, height and left arm angle. The ever present Rabada, Nortje and Ngidi make up for one of the most fearsome fast bowling attacks in this tournament. There's Wayne Parnell but I think he should be a back up.

Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj provide the spin options for South Africa. The South African bowling attack is well rounded but may be a little weak in the spin department.

South Africa Fixtures T20 World Cup 2022

24 October: v Zimbabwe at Hobart

27 October: v Bangladesh at SCG

30 October: v India at Perth

03 November: v Pakistan at SCG

06 November: v Netherlands at Adelaide

South Africa Probable Starting XI

Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Rillee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jensen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj/ Tabraiz Shamsi.

For once, I think, in many years, South Africa come into a tournament not as a favorite. That tag has caused them problems in the past. They are still a very good side with almost all bases covered. If they can start well, they can certainly go deep into the tournament.

Read Other Team Previews for the T20 World Cup 2022.