South Africa will remain a force!

[MenInG]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) congratulates the Proteas for clinching the T20 International series against England at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Sunday. The Proteas secured a dominant 90-run triumph over their hosts to seal the series 2-1.

England won the opening match of the T20 series by 41 runs, but the Proteas responded with a clinical 88-run victory in Cardiff to take the series to a nail-biting Sunday decider.

Congratulating the Proteas on the T20 series win, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said:

“The Proteas have again shown character, grit and composure. Their insatiable thirst and hunger to win was at display, which accounted for this pleasing outcome.

“Through this win, the Proteas have again demonstrated that they can hold their own, even when the odds are stacked against them.

“CSA is proud of the character that is prevailing within the team and congratulates them for this win, which is a prelude of more to come. We thank the Team and its management for this stellar victory.”

The Chairperson of the CSA Board, Lawson Naidoo said:

“The Proteas have written themselves into history by winning an away T20 series against England, a moment we have s been waiting for since 2009.

“This win demonstrates the progress that the Proteas have made and provides a solid foundation for further success the future.

“The Board of Cricket South Africa congratulates the Proteas for contributing to South African sporting success on a day that saw the Blitzboks and other athletes win medals at the Commonwealth Games.”

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Saffer's have a very good LOI team now.. Vert promising. Given the conditions in Australia they have a good chance in upcoming T20 WC.
Batters comfortable with pace and bounce -- Covered.
Decent Wrist Spinner -- Covered.
Bowlers hitting High Pace -- Covered.
Seam alrounder's for balance -- Covered

And on top of that.. Have always been an excellent fielding side. Let's see how they go in Australia this year.

 

[Fenrir]

South Africa can be a stronger team than it is if there was no quota system.The team has to include black,Asian and mixed race players irrespective of merit.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Saffer's have a very good LOI team now.. Vert promising. Given the conditions in Australia they have a good chance in upcoming T20 WC.
Batters comfortable with pace and bounce -- Covered.
Decent Wrist Spinner -- Covered.
Bowlers hitting High Pace -- Covered.
Seam alrounder's for balance -- Covered

And on top of that.. Have always been an excellent fielding side. Let's see how they go in Australia this year.

Their litmus test will be, as always, mental fortitude. They have put out some amazing teams in the past but couldn't clear knock outs.

 

[sweep_shot]

South Africa are back.

They can become top 3 again considering England and India are declining.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Don't know about their ODI or Test side. But that T20 side is stacked with quality players up and down the order. The only one who sticks out like a sore thumb is the captain Temba Bavuma.

But besides him, they have great T20 batters like: QdK, Rilee Rossouw, Markram, vd Dussen, Miller, Klaasen...all of whom can hit the long ball.

They have two very good all-rounders: Pretorious and Phehlukwayo.

They got a world-class spinner in Shamsi. And a very credible back-up in Maharaj.

And then they have a quality pace-attack as well in Nortje, Rabada and Ngidi.


They look like serious contenders going into the World Cup.

 

[sweep_shot]

Don't know about their ODI or Test side. But that T20 side is stacked with quality players up and down the order. The only one who sticks out like a sore thumb is the captain Temba Bavuma.

But besides him, they have great T20 batters like: QdK, Rilee Rossouw, Markram, vd Dussen, Miller, Klaasen...all of whom can hit the long ball.

They have two very good all-rounders: Pretorious and Phehlukwayo.

They got a world-class spinner in Shamsi. And a very credible back-up in Maharaj.

And then they have a quality pace-attack as well in Nortje, Rabada and Ngidi.


They look like serious contenders going into the World Cup.

I believe their ODI team is the same as T20. They are fielding the same team nowadays.

So, yeah. They are very good in LOI currently.

 

[Ab Fan]

South Africa are back.

They can become top 3 again considering England and <B>India</B> are declining.

Nice trolling. We drew a series vs South Africa with a 'B' team, won LOI series in England and won in Windies with 6-7 players resting.

 

[sweep_shot]

Nice trolling. We drew a series vs South Africa with a 'B' team, won LOI series in England and won in Windies with 6-7 players resting.

Trolling?

India lost 0-3 in South Africa. Also, they were quite poor in the last World T20.

India are strong but not as strong as before. South Africa may surpass them soon.

 

[Amjid Javed]

SA LOI teams are still prone to some really mediocre performances but also some really good ones.

They have a brilliant T20 side at moment and a competent ODI outfit.

i can see them getting to T20 final in Australia.

 

[mmkextreme_1]

IMO with England leaving the EU, and if I understand correctly, that basically ended the Kolpak stuff. That is going to benefit SA a lot.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I believe their ODI team is the same as T20. They are fielding the same team nowadays.

So, yeah. They are very good in LOI currently.

I wouldn't say that. A number of players that have been doing well in T20s have not been doing as well in ODIs. Players like Markram, Klaasen, Shamsi. Markram in particular has very poor ODI numbers. Others like Ngidi who have amazing numbers in T20Is don't have the as good numbers in ODIs.

Their track-record in ODIs has also been poor as of late. Series losses to Pak, Bangladesh, India at home. An ODI loss to Ireland. Infact when was the last time they even won an ODI series?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I believe their ODI team is the same as T20. They are fielding the same team nowadays.

So, yeah. They are very good in LOI currently.

Correction: they beat India at home. Whitewashed them infact. Can't believe I forgot that lol. Still though, a series loss at home to Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as an ODI loss to Ireland shows that they have been far from their best in recent times.

 

[sweep_shot]

Their track-record in ODIs has also been poor as of late. Series losses to Pak, Bangladesh, India at home. An ODI loss to Ireland. Infact when was the last time they even won an ODI series?

They beat India 3-0 recently (home ODI series). Same tour where India lost the Test series 1-2.

 

[sweep_shot]

Correction: they beat India at home. Whitewashed them infact. Can't believe I forgot that lol. Still though, a series loss at home to Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as an ODI loss to Ireland shows that they have been far from their best in recent times.

Yes.

I think they have a good ODI team (despite the losses against Pakistan and BD). You don't beat India 3-0 if you are not a good team.

Also, that Pakistan series happened quite a while ago. These guys are much more experienced now.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yes.

I think they have a good ODI team (despite the losses against Pakistan and BD). You don't beat India 3-0 if you are not a good team.

Also, that Pakistan series happened quite a while ago. These guys are much more experienced now.

They have the potential to be a very good side. But I'm not sure if they are there yet. For me, they've been quite mediocre ever since the 2019 World Cup. And I think their ODI ranking perfectly sums up where they are in this format right now.

 

[Moeey]

Correction: they beat India at home. Whitewashed them infact. Can't believe I forgot that lol. Still though, a series loss at home to Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as an ODI loss to Ireland shows that they have been far from their best in recent times.

I believe roussow and stubbs dint play in the 2 series they lost. They have added more fire-power to SA. Also don't recall facing ngidi.

 

[James]

Fascinating to see how they do in the Tests.

 

[MenInG]

Under-fire captain Temba Bavuma is running out of time to find his batting form before leading South Africa's challenge for a maiden T20 World Cup title in Australia.

Bavuma is so out of nick that he was overlooked in the auction for South Africa's new T20 franchise competition and followed that by scoring only three runs in three innings in the recent T20 series in India.

South Africa play warm-up games against New Zealand and Bangladesh in Brisbane on October 17 and 19, before a potential opening World Cup match against the West Indies on October 24, providing the Caribbean team top their preliminary group as expected.

South Africa have a poor record in global tournaments, never winning a World Cup or reaching a final in either 50-over or Twenty20 formats.

They failed to make the T20 World Cup semi-finals a year ago on net run-rate.

They will need their captain Bavuma to start scoring runs if they are to better their previous best of reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2009 and 2014.

The diminutive Bavuma was appointed South Africa's white-ball captain in 2021.

Although not a power-hitter, he has a solid record in the 50-over game, where he has time to build an innings.

But it has been a different story in the shortest format.

Bavuma has made only 64 runs in seven innings in 2022 and has a sedate strike rate of 82.05 runs per 100 balls.

Bavuma missed South Africa's tour of England in July and August because of injury and in his absence Reeza Hendricks equalled a T20 international record by scoring four successive half-centuries.

Although part of the T20 squad in India, Hendricks did not play, prompting a torrent of abuse for Bavuma on South African social media.

Coach Mark Boucher, who will step down after the World Cup, gave his captain a vote of confidence.

"Temba Bavuma is our leader and I back him 100 percent," said Boucher before the team departed for India and Australia.

He also has the support of AB de Villiers, South Africa's greatest T20 player.

"I do believe Temba is the right man for the job," De Villiers wrote on Twitter.

"I believe his form will come at the right time, at the right place, which there's no better than the T20 World Cup."

Former fast bowler Makhaya Ntini said Bavuma needed to lead from the front by scoring runs.

"If you are not scoring runs, it becomes hard for you," Ntini told a website.

Small grounds in India favoured the big hitters and Bavuma's lack of power may be better suited to the larger playing surfaces in Australia where he can work runs into gaps around the field.

If Bavuma can deliver then South Africa have a batting line-up capable of dominating bowlers, with Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller and new discovery Tristan Stubbs all able to score rapidly.

The bigger grounds of Australia will suit left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who has been a key bowler for South Africa but was dropped for the last two matches in India, where the short boundaries enabled mis-hits to fly for six.

Shamsi and orthodox left-armer Keshav Maharaj have provided an effective contrast to South Africa's battery of fast bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada.

https://www.barrons.com/news/south-...ssure-to-deliver-at-t20-world-cup-01665545708

 

[MenInG]

Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) National Selection Committee has today named Marco Jansen in the 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

The 22-year-old bowler replaces the injured Dwaine Pretorius after he was ruled out due to a fracture sustained to his left thumb during the recent T20 International series against India.

Momentum Multiply Titans paceman Lizaad Williams has been called up to replace Jansen amongst the travelling reserves.

South Africa squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors).

Travelling Reserves
Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans).

 

[MenInG]

DELHI: Proteas coach Mark Boucher was not overly concerned after their tour to India ended in disappointment on Tuesday when they lost the decisive third One-Day International (ODI) in Delhi.

The seven-wicket defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium meant that South Africa surrendered a 1-0 series lead to lose the three-match sequence 2-1. They were also beaten by the same margin in the T20 International (T20I) series against the hosts a few days earlier.

Boucher, who was leading the Proteas for the final time in a bilateral series before stepping down, explained that the there were many reasons for the results.

“I think it took us some time to get use to the conditions,” he said. “We didn't arrive early enough but there were reasons for that as well. The first game was pretty difficult to be judged by but I think we got better as we went on there. I think there were little moments in games, especially in the one-day format that we let ourselves down.

“In the last game we just didn't rock up. We had a few soft dismissals up front which put us under pressure, I think India bowled really well as well, they bowled with good aggression and intent, which lead to our downfall.

“Overall we do understand though, and I said it before we left, we need to try and play this series and obviously try and win. We haven't done that but I think we've taken some good lessons and we've had some good chats behind closed doors to speak about things we can get a lot better at and I think that will stand us in good stead going forward now to Australia where conditions are completely different.

“So I just think we're okay at the moment, certainly it's disappointing to lose but we have a massive competition around the corner and that's what we're really gearing up to.”

The Proteas leave for Australia on Thursday night. Upon arrival they will set up base in Brisbane before their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against a yet-to-be-determined qualifier in Group 2 on October 24.

Boucher felt that it had been a challenging few months for his team and getting the guys to Australia in the right frame of mind was important.

“We're coming off a long tour to England then on to India and a couple of the guys were in the Caribbean (Premier) League as well,” he continued. “We don't want to get into a situation where you're rocking up for every game and it sort of seems like a league game.

“So I think keeping the guys mentally and physically fresh is going to be vital for us management and myself to monitor. Then I think we'll get the best results for our guys being really up for the World Cup games.

“Also we're going to Australia now where I think it will suit our fast bowlers a lot better. We've got some good pace, we got some good bounce in our attack so we need to keep the pressure there. The last one-day game there wasn't enough aggression. What surprised me was India’s bowling attack in the one-dayers bowled with far more aggression than ours.

“But we did chat about it and the way that Anrich (Nortje) bowled in the last game is a positive sign for me especially going into conditions where he can be quite affective.”

South Africa’s failure to win the ODI series does mean that they now face an even tougher challenge in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, the qualifying tournament for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. They are presently 11th on the table with 59 points, which is 29 points behind West Indies, who occupy the eighth and final automatic qualifying spot.

They have five matches still to play next year – two against the Netherlands and three against England – and should they fail to make the top eight, the South Africans will have to play in a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe next June and July.

Boucher added: “It's not ideal. The reason we are in this situation is because we haven't always had continuity with our one-day team. There's been various reasons for that, players leaving to go to IPL, Covid and that type of stuff has played its part. So there had been a bit of inconsistency with regards to our one-day team and we're sort of seeing that now.

“But we know what is required and the guys will know what is required come January against England and also playing against the Netherlands. We've got to win those games and if we don't, we just have to accept the fact that we'll have to go to the qualifiers for the next World Cup, so we understand the situation we're in and we'll just have to man up and face that when it comes our way.”

 

[MenInG]

South Africa arrive in Australia with a batting line-up shy of the big names of old but packed full of explosive talent, backed up by one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament. With expectation low but potential relatively high, could this be the year it finally happens for South Africa?

Squad:

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. Standby Players: Bjorn Fortuin, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lizaad Williams.

Best finish at the tournament

Semi-finalists (2009 and 2014)

South Africa have famously never won an ICC World Cup in any format, despite arriving at tournaments with extremely strong squads through the years. The best the Proteas have managed in at Men’s T20 World Cups are semi-final appearances in 2009 and 2014.

In 2009 a total of 150 to beat Pakistan proved too much, with South Africa finishing seven runs short at 142/5. And in 2014 a Virat Kohli-inspired India made relatively straightforward work of a reply to 172/4, reaching the target with five balls remaining.

Results in the last 10 T20I games

Most recent first: W W L L W W W W L L

Fixtures

v Group B Winner (October 24), Bellerive Oval, Hobart

v Bangladesh (October 27), SCG, Sydney

v India (October 30), Perth Stadium, Perth

v Pakistan (November 03), SCG, Sydney

v Group A Runner Up (November 06), Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Play Video

Key Match

v India (Oct 30) - The MRF ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings have India top in the week before the Super 12 stage, with South Africa in fourth, just narrowly behind fellow group opponents Pakistan.

The meeting with the Asian giants comes back-to-back in South Africa’s tournament schedule, but if the Proteas are two wins from two (and that’s a big if) then victory over India would put them in the driving seat in the Group.

South Africa’s power hitters would fancy taking down an Indian bowling attack robbed of the services of Jasprit Bumrah. And if any bowling attack can trouble the powerful Indian top six then it is surely Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi and co.

Key Player

Anrich Nortje – The pace merchant could off an extremely valuable x-factor on the bouncier Australian pitches, giving his side yet another threat in what is likely to be one of the better bowling attacks at the tournament.

Nortje’s T20I returns to-date are strong rather than spectacular, but he has shown during his franchise career that he has the raw pace and skillset to trouble the top batters in the world.

With wickets in the Powerplay likely to be key for any successful side, Nortje’s role is vital.

Summary

Even without the injured Rassie van der Dussen, South Africa’s batting line-up looks primed to excel in Australian conditions. Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, David Miller and Rillee Rossouw are all explosive batters who can trouble any of their Super 12 opponents.

Miller in particular has found his feet at international level in a manner that should be a concern for all of South Africa’s opponents.

The worry is over the form and strike rate of captain Temba Bavuma, who leads the side but would be far from a certain pick otherwise. It’s not out of the question but unlikely that the selectors even leave Bavuma out if he doesn’t improve throughout the group stage.

Tristan Stubbs is the x-factor addition to the squad in the last year or so, bringing incredible power down the order in that all-important finisher role.

And with the ball few can match the South Africans. Tabraiz Shamsi had been struggling a little with illness, but looked back to his best in the last warm-up match to further strengthen the spin options alongside the excellent Keshav Maharaj.

But it’s the pacers that set South Africa apart. Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen – that is a tournament-winning attack on paper.

 

[MenInG]

SOUTH AFRICA CALL UPON EXPERIENCED HEADS FOR MEN'S T20 WORLD CUP


Mark Boucher's South Africa have called upon experienced heads in their bid for a first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup win.

Remarkably, the Proteas have never reached the final of this competition and have only made the final four on two occasions.

Despite that record, there is no great change to the squad that missed out on the 2021 semi-finals on net run rate to eventual champions Australia, with just four new names in the squad.

But even those who have been drafted in are familiar faces, with Wayne Parnell and Rilee Rossouw both included after making their return to the T20 set-up after several years away from the fold.

So will the old guard be able to steer South Africa to a maiden T20 crown or will their wait go on?

2022 prospects

South Africa’s chances were dealt a big blow when superstar batter Rassie van der Dussen was ruled out through injury.

The 33-year-old suffered an injury to his finger during the second Test match against England and his absence will be keenly felt in the middle order.

All-rounder Dwaine Pretorious is another notable absentee but the squad certainly has not been weakened by his late withdrawal.

Pretorious' replacement Marco Jansen announced himself onto the international stage with a Test five-for against England in the summer and has been described as “the complete package” by Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene.

That he was only initially selected as a travelling reserve demonstrates the depth and breadth of quality in the side: from Rossouw and Quinton de Kock at the top of the order, to spin kings Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.

With a great balance and a group well-suited to the pitches and conditions in Australia, this is surely South Africa’s best opportunity to win a World Cup yet.

In a group with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, they will have to prove they can thrive against sub-continental opposition to get through to the semi-finals.

T20 World Cup history

Much was expected of South Africa in the inaugural T20 World Cup. With home advantage and a side packed with big names, they looked a good bet to go the distance.

But after winning their first four matches in convincing fashion, a heavy defeat to India in their final Super 8s fixture saw them eliminated from the tournament on net run rate.

They did make the final four two years later but came up tantalisingly short in the semi-final against Pakistan, losing by just seven runs to the eventual winners.

That was the end of the Mickey Arthur era but a change in coach for each of the following two tournaments failed to yield a change in fortune.

A return to the semi-finals in 2014 proved to be a false dawn, with no final four appearance in either of the two following tournaments, though they were perhaps unlucky not to progress last time out, losing only one of their five Super 12 fixtures with an identical record to group winners, England.

Current Form

Preparations for the World Cup could not have gone much better for Boucher’s side.

They beat India away from home in their first two T20 fixtures after last year’s World Cup - David Miller starred with the bat and Anrich Nortje was as consistent as ever as the tourists took a 2-0 series lead.

But they were pegged back over the course of the next two matches before the decider was abandoned due to rain.

A series win in England then followed, with a 90-run victory in the final of three matches a real statement of intent with Shamsi seemingly unplayable at the Rose Bowl, finishing with figures of five for 24.

Ireland were next to be cast aside before a return to India, with the hosts edging that one 2-1 at the beginning of October.

The high point was undoubtedly Rossouw’s match-winning 100 off just 48 balls in the final contest which effectively secured his place in the World Cup squad.

And they have carried that good form into Australia, with New Zealand defeated by nine wickets in the first of South Africa’s two warm-up fixtures.

Such a dominant victory against last year’s runners-up will certainly have raised eyebrows before the tournament gets underway.

Best batters

The Proteas have two batters ranked inside the world’s top 10, a feat that is only matched by Pakistan.

Aiden Markram sits fourth in the rankings while keeper De Kock completes the top 10.

Markram averages a staggering 41.05 in T20 internationals and strikes at over 150, while De Kock has already hit two T20 international half-centuries this year and the pair make a lethal combination at the top of the order.

Best bowlers

Shamsi has established himself as one of the world’s best white-ball bowlers in recent times and only Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga are ranked higher.

He will be ably supported by Maharaj, while in the pace bowling department, Nortje has become one of Delhi Capitals’ most prized assets in the Indian Premier League.

He has the pace to blow away the world’s best, as does Kagiso Rabada, while veteran left-armer Parnell will look to find sideways movement with the new ball.

 

[ex-q-zit]

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says he is fit and raring to go as South Africa prepare to launch their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Monday.

The right-hander has been ill for the past few weeks, forcing him to miss the latter part of South Africa’s tour to India. But he says he is now ready and looking forward to leading the team at the finals.

“I feel good,” he told media at the pre-match press briefing on Sunday. “I was out of action the last week in India due to sickness. I’ve come here to Australia still kind of recovering but I’ve gotten over that now. I’ve had a few sessions in the net and I’m feeling good ahead of the next couple of days and weeks.”

Bavuma’s availability means that he is set to be restored at the top of the batting order. He said: “In terms of the team, there won’t be any surprises in terms of everyone within the group. We know what we want to do, we know how we’re going to do it and we’re all quite comfortable around all of that.”

The Proteas enter this World Cup on the back of a heartbreaking exit in the previous one in the United Arab Emirates and Oman where they narrowly missed out on a semi-final place due to net run-rate. The skipper said they had learnt some valuable lessons from that experience, one of which was that they had to hit the ground running in match one.

“Probably the biggest takeaway from the previous World Cup is that every game matters,” Bavuma explained. “You want to obviously try and perform as well as you can but make sure that you keep a pulse on that run rate, that net run rate.

“If there’s an opportunity to really go well then make sure that you do so. We have Zimbabwe as our opening game and everything we’ve spoken about in our planning and meetings is to execute as well as we can in that game.

“We want to obviously start on a positive note, we don’t want to ease ourselves into the tournament because there really isn’t any time to do that, so tomorrow is an opportunity for us to execute our skills and our plans accordingly.”

The Proteas have played Zimbabwe six times in T20Is, winning five times with one abandonment. It means they will go into the game as favourites. However, Zimbabwe impressed during the first round of the competition where they qualified ahead of West Indies, Ireland and Scotland.

“As a South African I was happy for our fellow African country, they’ve made it through the qualifiers,” Bavuma added. “They obviously had good performances to get them to this point. They’re definitely a side not to be taken likely so we’ll prepare accordingly as we always do. We’re excited and looking forward to that clash against them.”

The two teams are joined in Group B of the Super 12 stage of the competition by India, Pakistan, Netherlands and Bangladesh, who are up next for South Africa on Thursday.

 

[MenInG]

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi believes the Proteas must play to their strengths when they take on Bangladesh in a crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash at the SCG in Sydney on Thursday.

South Africa were cruelly denied victory by the weather in their opening match of the competition against Zimbabwe on Monday and they now have some catching up to do when they face-off against the Tigers, who beat the Netherlands in their championship opener.

It means that Mark Boucher’s side have little room for error, but paceman Ngidi insists they are not feeling any additional pressure.

“I think everyone’s under pressure in this tournament if you looking to win,” he told the media ahead of the game. “With that claim that we’ll be hungry to win that’s definitely true. We’d obviously have loved to win in the first game and we know now what pressure we have in terms of going forward in the tournament. To say we’re under more pressure, I would say it’s pretty equal if you looking to win the World Cup. May the best team win.”

The tournament has been a good one for the fast bowlers so far as Australia’s pitches have lived up to their reputation of pace and bounce.

Ngidi said: “I think at the moment we are just playing towards our strengths. From the games we’ve watched so far, we’ve seen that pace has probably been the most successful throughout the tournament, so we’re going to play towards our strengths.

“Against Bangladesh we obviously want to attack them using our strengths and that is the pace. Depending on how they handle that we’ll find out tomorrow but all in all we pretty much run with what we’re good at.”

The nature of the pitches have also led to more happier bowlers and Ngidi continued: “Definitely (I think T20 cricket is better when bowlers have a say in it). It makes things more competitive. We saw the India-Pakistan game, it got really tight and I think that’s what people want to see…not absolute blowouts of teams scoring 240 and then you pretty much struggle to try and get there. I think when the competition gets a lot closer it makes for better cricket.”

South Africa have a formidable record against Bangladesh in T20Is, winning all seven of their previous meetings. However, the Asian side stunned the Proteas by beating then in a One-Day International (ODI) series on home soil earlier this year.

“The last time we played Bangladesh their batsmen came out very aggressively against us,” Ngidi recalled. “So we’re cognisant of that fact. We’ll definitely be targeting their top order. We know they have (captain) Shakib (al-Hasan) to control the middle and if he’s there at the back end. I’m sure their batsmen. But as the bowling unit we’re definitely looking to cut the head of the snake which is probably take out their top order and try to restrict them to as low a total as possible.”

Rain is also predicted for the game in Sydney, but Ngidi says their focus is not on the forecast.

“To be honest you control what we can and the weather’s one thing we don’t have a say in,” he concluded. “We were eager to get out on the park in Hobart and I think everyone that was there did their bit in trying to get a game going, so appreciative in that sense, but at the end of the day we couldn’t control what happened with the rain.

“It does put us a bit under pressure with another forecast of rain tomorrow. I think we just got a bit of bad luck following to be honest but we’ve got no say in how the weather plays out. The only thing we can do is get here and we’ll be prepared to play.”

 

[MenInG]

With five quicks capable of reaching at least 140kph at their disposal, South Africa are ready to ramp up their T20 World Cup campaign after a rainy false start, and a Proteas legend is in their corner.

Led by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, and backed by Lungi Ngidi, Wayne Parnell and 210cm Marco Jansen, there is a case that South Africa boast the best fast bowling attack across all three formats of world cricket.

And just to back the fast-bowling battery, the third ranked T20I bowler Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj wait in the wings to break batting line-ups down with spin.

The facilities in Australia at the T20 World Cup suit South Africa to a tee, though it takes something special to stand out in a fiercely competitive tournament.

Proteas legend Dale Steyn looks at Rabada and Nortje in particular as the key, placing them in his top five quicks - alongside Mark Wood, Mitchell Starc and Shaheen Afridi - currently featuring in the tournament Down Under.

"Rabada is the leader of the South African attack. I'm hoping South Africa can go on and win this World Cup and him doubling up with Anrich Nortje as my other fast bowler from South Africa, I think the two of them in combination are just fantastic," Steyn said.

"They've got great pace, they've got good skill especially in Australia, Rabada seems to up a level whenever he gets to Australia, so I'm looking for that competitive streak to come out of him, and the two of them can go on and help South Africa to win this World Cup."

It's not uncommon for enforcer Nortje to clock speeds well in excess of 150kph, though the level of consistency across the three formats, and under the weight of expectations in global tournaments, sets him apart.

Able to hit "Test" style lines and lengths, or finding other cunning ways to beat his opponents, Nortje is a sure selection for all three formats, and relishes in being a key cog in any Proteas mission. Alongside Rabada, the versatile Ngidi, the nous of Parnell and the unconventional angles of Jansen, Nortje feels the quicks and the injection of spin makes them unplayable on their day.

“We think we've got one of the best bowling attacks. I think the way this side has been selected and the way sort of everything has come together, everyone gives us a little bit of a different aspect. I don't think there is one bowler that's the same as other one," Nortje noted.

"We've got two left-armers, one of them is nearly 2.10 metres, and so we've got pace, we've got skill. Everyone can bowl quick as well. Everyone's 140kph-plus, so it’s definitely exciting pack to be a part of."

After the pace battery, opposition players have no easy outlet of runs, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi tightening the screws.

"We have arguably two of the best spinners as well, (Tabraiz) Shamsi was No.1 for a very long time (on the MRF T20I rankings)," Nortje continued.

"In general, I think we've got a really good attack and hopefully we can use the conditions to our advantage."

The impression of Nortje on observation is that the 28-year-old finds quality through clarity, both in mindsets and plans. When looking to opponents on a matchday, he's away of batting mindsets, but wants to dictate on his terms, rather than reacting in the aftermath of a flurry of shots.

"I think for us as bowlers, most of the teams nowadays, they are fearless, they go after it, especially if there's extra pace, they look to swing hard and look to come out at the bowlers," Nortje said.

"So it's just about trying to execute what we want to do whether it's going to be any team, the first team or the last team on the list."

In the build-up, there never needs to be a regimented discussion on plans given everyone is on the same page, nor a lot of work to keep a rhythm.

"I try not to overthink things the day before, maybe just try and execute one or two things and keep it very simple," Nortje said.

"Maybe I'll come out and focus on yorkers or hard lengths on the day, that's it.

"We take the optional days (training), not bowl too much or overthink things too much. Generally I try to keep it simple, maybe three or four overs and that's it the day before a game."

Again, the theme for opponents is there is no respite to the quick stuff after Rabada and Nortje, with Ngidi arguably good enough to play a leading role for every team at the event.

Speaking to the press at the SCG, Ngidi thrives in fulfilling the clear roles put together in what is a cemented bowling group.

"It really does make your job a lot easier. I think it's difficult when you have pretty much two seamers that are going to have to do everything, whereas we probably have three or four, and everyone is probably better at something than someone else," Ngidi said.

"We can always turn to someone else if things aren't going well, so it does give you that sense of calm, but it also gives you that bit of confidence that you need going into a tournament like this."

Ngidi admitted the pace attack are "100 percent" aware of the hype surrounding the group, and only revel in belief as a result.

"For people to be able to say that about the guys we have in the changing room, it's an honour and a privilege to hear those words about the guys we have. It does give us a lot of confidence, as well," Ngidi said.

"It helps the guys walk with their heads held up high. You go out there, and obviously if people are speaking about you like that, you want to showcase what you have, so it definitely makes for a good show when we get out there."

A "good show" is a guarantee for the quicks, a Big Time ticket item in Australia and for the billions watching around the world.

ICC

 

[ex-q-zit]

South Africa is one of the teams that has a well rounded team with good balance between batting and bowling units. they have a batting unit which can be as destructive as England's especially after the performance against Zim and Bangladesh. Though Buvama is their weak link.

If weather doesn't play spoilsport any further after robbing them off a point against ZIM they have a good chance of making it to the semi along with India.

 

[TeymurBlake]

For many ppl including me have been regarded as the darkhorses because like many ppl have said they have bases covered.

They could win it.

 

[MenInG]

Anrich Nortje is pleased with the way the Proteas have so far performed at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he looks forward to a crucial match three against India in Perth on Sunday.

South Africa recovered from a disappointing no result in the opening game against Zimbabwe where the Hobart rain denied them what looked to be a certain win to thump Bangladesh by a record 104 runs in match two in Sydney.

Those two results have left them in second place on the Group 2 table ahead of the clash with the formidable Indians.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game at Perth Stadium, Nortje conceded that there was little room for further slip-ups by the Proteas.

He said: “Obviously the first game didn’t go according to plan. We came so close but the weather meant it ended as a no result. It was so tight.

“Hopefully now after that second game we can continue the momentum and take it into the next few games. It’s important to try and get the results when we do have the opportunity to play.

“The weather has played its part so far, but we can’t worry too much about that. All we can do is focus on what we need to do and make sure we do it.”

South Africa’s bowling attack is amongst the best at the World Cup and Nortje acknowledged they had a formidable pack. But he was more impressed with the way the batsmen had performed after Quinton de Kock blazed an unbeaten 47 in the first match and then struck a half century, while Rilee Rossouw recorded an impeccable ton in match two.

“I think the guys have been batting very well,” he stated. “We’ve had some very good starts and the team has really been sticking to their game.

“Everyone has been following the plans that we’ve worked at during training. It’s just about executing and we’ve done that so far. So I think the team’s really stuck well to our philosophy and our structure of how to go about things and hopefully we can continue like we have been going so far.”

At the World Cup last year, the Proteas agonisingly missed out on a place in the semi-finals on net run-rate. It was a bitter pill to swallow for the team, but 12 months on and Nortje feels the time might be right to challenge for the top prize.

“I think we’ve probably been saying it for the last two seasons now,” he added. “Last year we lost one game at the World Cup and we were out of it. That was also a close game. I think we have a really good team, the guys have been together now for such a long time, everyone knows where they fit it.

“One or two guys come in and they fit into the roles that are open or where they can add value by bringing something different. All in all, I think everyone understands their place and what to do on the day, we’ve been gelling well. Hopefully we can win the World Cup this time.”

 

[jnaveen1980]

For many ppl including me have been regarded as the darkhorses because like many ppl have said they have bases covered.

They could win it.

Calling them dark horses is an insult. They are one of the team to beat. 1) One of the best players against pace and bounce 2) Has wide variety of tall fast bowlers 3) Quality spin 4) Great finishers, 5) Great top order minus Bavuma.

Even with presence of Bavuma and absence of Pretorious they are potential finalists. All the other sides have a lot of weaknesses. If they had Reza hendricks and pretorious they will be the team to beat. you can't bully SA with spin especially in Australia. Bangladesh just saw that

 

[ChTab]

SA pretty much back to their best the only weak link in the team is Temba Babuma inclusion of Rossow has made them bery strong in the middle.
They have 2 outstanding fast bowlers & 2 very reliable spinners as well.

 

[MenInG]

South African cricketing legend Shaun Pollock believes his compatriots could be timing their run to perfection in a bid for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy in Australia.

Speaking on the latest ICC Review with Brian Murgatroyd after South Africa’s victory over India to push on in their hopes for an elusive global tournament, Pollock, watching on as one of the event's commentators, feels his former team are happy to go “under the radar."

The side shared the points with Zimbabwe in their first outing, but have shown their credentials with an emphatic win over Bangladesh at the SCG, before backing it up with a tight final-over victory against India in Perth.

Pollock feels the Proteas are in the conversation as contenders for the trophy, though it may not have been perceived to be the case before the tournament.

“The fact that they've come in maybe with people not writing them up as much as they could, I think there's definitely been an effect of South Africa trending in the right direction," Pollock said.

“We've seen them over the last 18 months start to show a little bit of firepower and start to show some grit and determination.”

Taking 408 international white-ball wickets, of which 15 came in 12 T20I appearances at the backend of his career, Pollock is a good judge of bowling talent across the competition, and he rates the South African attack up there with the best.

“Bowling-wise, I've never been concerned (for South Africa). We've got plenty of fast bowling options. You even got a (Marco) Jansen sitting on the sidelines, the four quicks that they used (in Perth), plus (Keshav) Maharaj and (Tabraiz) Shamsi," he said.

“We've got all bases covered there.”

Despite the undefeated start, the former all-rounder feels the side are not the finished product, and looks for stronger output from the batting department to solidify South Africa's bid.

"I think the challenge for South Africa has always been, 'which are the six or seven that are going to come good from a batting perspective'? And it was a huge blow to lose Rassie van der Dussen before the tournament because he had played superbly well."

“I can still see a possibility of an improvement. As I say, this victory (over India) is a huge boost.”

Though there is one glaring issue in South Africa’s side that isn’t quite up to the mark as yet: skipper Temba Bavuma's poor run of form with bat in hand.

Pollock likened the malaise to Australian skipper Aaron Finch, who managed to find a groove against Ireland in Brisbane on Monday, making a half-century.

"It's a shame, you feel for the guy. From a captaincy perspective, he is obviously manoeuvring his troops as best he possibly can, but there's not one captain in the world who doesn't like to lead from the front with regards to performance, and he hasn't been able to hit his straps," Pollock noted.

"The pressure for him is no doubt building. He's an individual. He's a human being. He understands what he wants. To perform in that he hasn't managed to click as of yet, and he would love nothing better than to to have a little match winning 40 or 50 and to take his team over the line and win a couple of games."

South Africa face a desperate Pakistan on Thursday, and their opponents will be keen to notch a victory following narrow losses to India and Zimbabwe at the start of the Super 12 stage.

Pollock believes South Africa's result against India will galvanise the team and the Proteas great even jokingly found silver linings in the rain clouds that once again threatened his former team's chances.

"We're probably the best ones to validate that little small margins can have a big difference. And (against India), it was a case where small margins went for South Africa," he said.

"And maybe the fact that the first game was rained out against Zimbabwe meant we got a rain encounter with the World Cup over early, and we can just have some good weather going forward."

ICC

 

[sweep_shot]

South Africa are back.

I think they have the best team in this tournament.

 

[MenInG]

Nov 4 (Reuters) - South Africa have been brought "back to earth" by their defeat to Pakistan at the T20 World Cup but will use it as a wake-up call ahead of their must-win match against the Netherlands, captain Temba Bavuma said.

The Proteas could have sealed a semi-final berth with victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground but instead slumped to a 33-run loss in the rain-shortened Super 12 match.

Second in Group 2 and a point behind India, Bavuma's side now need to beat the lightly regarded Netherlands in Adelaide on Sunday to be sure to advance.

Bavuma said "the wheels came off" for South Africa as Pakistan went on to post 185 for nine after being reduced to 43 for four early on.

"A team like Pakistan, as you know, is very dangerous when you give them any type of momentum," he said.

"I don't think it's a big concern. Yes, there are talking points for us, areas that we can learn from.

"Maybe it's a performance that we needed to ... maybe bring us down back to earth."

Bavuma lamented his team's poor fielding and declined to blame the weather as a slew of catches went to grass in the drizzly final overs of the first innings.

"Up until this game, our fielding has been very good. We fielded at night," he said.

"We fielded during the day. We fielded in wet conditions.

"Maybe the intensity lowered a bit for the guys. Individually, the guys know but it's definitely not the standard of fielding that we pride ourselves on."

The loss of experienced middle order batsman David Miller to back spasms did not help South Africa's cause after rain and the Duckworth-Lewis method left them an improbable victory target.

Bavuma said Miller's benching was precautionary, though, and expected him to return for the Netherlands.

Reuters

 

[MenInG]

ADELAIDE: Proteas all-rounder Wayne Parnell has described their final Group 2 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash against the Netherlands as a ‘quarter-final’ ahead of the must-win game in Adelaide on Sunday.

South Africa lost for the first time in Australia when they went down to Pakistan in their fourth match of the competition on Thursday – a result which saw them slip to second in their group. But destiny remains in their hands and victory over the Dutch at the Adelaide Oval will guarantee them a place in the last four.

“It’s obviously a crucial game for us,” Parnell told a pre-match media briefing on Saturday. “For us it’s just about staying in the moment. We’re trying not to focus too far into the future. We want to tackle tomorrow firstly, make sure we win and then we’ll know after that from the table where we’re going to be.”

Bangladesh and Pakistan can both still overhaul the Proteas on the table should Temba Bavuma and his team slip-up. However, Parnell felt everyone in their squad understood what they needed to do in the game.

He continued: “I think it’s pretty straight forward. It’s just for us to go out there, play good cricket and try to win the game. It’s a pretty simple equation for us. Tomorrow is basically a quarter-final and then obviously if we win that we go to a semi-final and then if we win that we’re in the final.

The Netherlands have already been eliminated from the World Cup after managing just one win thus far compared to the Proteas’ two. But even though they are bottom of the table, Parnell expected them to put up a good fight – as is the case in T20 cricket compared to the other two formats.

“In T20s things get closer together when it’s a short game,” the veteran all-rounder said. “So we still have to play well to beat them. They’re a quality side and they’ve shown that they can play good cricket. Hopefully for us it’s only in patches. I think if we can bring our A-game then that should be enough.”

Parnell also praised the Proteas pace attack for the way they had come together as a unit during the competition.

“I think certainly it’s more about the unit than the individual,” he added. “I think you’ve seen over the past four games, different guys have put their hands up and it’s about trusting everyone as well. I think we have world-class bowlers throughout the unit, so it’s just about trust in the unit.”

 

[jnaveen1980]

South Africa are back.

I think they have the best team in this tournament.

Team selection is still not good. First of all Bavuma is a freeloader. Hendricks should be playing. Leaving out Maharaj at the SCG blunder of the highest order. Also missing of Pretorious is huge. He would be very suitable on certain AUstralian pitches and he can bat. Rabada has become a specialist fielder nowadays. Bowling at Bhuvi's speed getting cartered around.

 

[sweep_shot]

Team selection is still not good. First of all Bavuma is a freeloader. Hendricks should be playing. Leaving out Maharaj at the SCG blunder of the highest order. Also missing of Pretorious is huge. He would be very suitable on certain AUstralian pitches and he can bat. Rabada has become a specialist fielder nowadays. Bowling at Bhuvi's speed getting cartered around.

I think it is a good team (minus Bavuma).

They didn't play Miller and Maharaj against Pakistan. That was a blunder.

 

[MenInG]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) shares in the disappointment of South Africans on the loss of the Proteas to the Netherlands at the Adelaide Oval, in Australia on Sunday, which eliminated them from the ICC T20 World Cup tournament. Chasing 159 to win, the Proteas fell to 145/8, a demise which means they will miss the semi-finals.

The Proteas started their T20 World Cup campaign on a solid footing, which boosted the Team’s confidence. However, despite the Proteas’ efforts on the pitch with the Netherlands, the latter went away with the stakes.

Speaking on the team’s early exit from the tournament, CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe said:

“The reality is that the Team did not perform to expectations, which occasioned this disappointing outcome. It is our duty to regroup and rebuild based on our glaring shortcomings at the T20 World Cup.”

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki added:

“The Proteas went to the ICC T20 World Cup with high hopes that they would make it to the final. CSA supported the team on their campaign and held high hopes that they will carry through. It is unfortunate that they did not make it as we had all hoped. However, it is incumbent to support them into the future.

“It is evidently hard for all of us to be faced with this disappointment. However, our focus should be rebuilding the team for future success. Lessons learnt from this experience will be inculcated into strategies to redeem from the weaknesses and build a formidable attack in future.”

 

[jnaveen1980]

Bavuma also told that he is no going anywhere after the match. He is here to stay.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Rabada seems to be the main culprit. Supposed to be the leader of the pack. Nortje didn't get adequate support



QDK predictably went missing in all the important matches

 

[Markhor]

There'll be severe recriminations back home surely.

South Africa must hire a full-time sports psychologist. There's so many ICC tournaments, practically one every year, and to not win a single one since 1998 given the quality of cricketers they've had over the years is unbelievable.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Rassie he is the only one guy who has looked reasonably composed under pressure. He is not in with this side. Having said that it is not missing one or two guys. It is this collective lack of self-belief that you don't see from other sides. Look how netherlands was utterly focused on the job even though they were already out of the race. Sure they had an incentive to finish it on a high because it will help them qualify directly. That probably is the only motivation they needed. They exploited the dimension of the ground and choked them. Even in the INdia vs Ned contest i appreciated their very intelligent field placings.

 

[Ab Fan]

I think it is a good team (minus Bavuma).

They didn't play Miller and Maharaj against Pakistan. That was a blunder.

Miller had an injury in that game as per the news.

 

[sweep_shot]

Miller had an injury in that game as per the news.

Yeah. Back injury.

They had a good squad this time. Should've gone to semi-final.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No quick bowlers at domestic level to test our batters mate�� <a href="https://t.co/YoSsCnrHmH">https://t.co/YoSsCnrHmH</a></p>— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) <a href="https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/1611624358107136000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

46 - SA (2017-2023), Won 23, Lost 23
26 - Zim (2005-2017), Won 3, Lost 23
23 - Aus (1999-2001), Won 20, Lost 3

 

[Amjid Javed]

SA as a test side are done, the fact they aren't producing even half decent batsmen means they will keep getting one side pastings most of the time.

 

[sam_ahm]

South Africa, I'm afraid, look in trouble at the moment in test matches.

The biggest problem is that almost all of their upcoming young talents are white - Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristian Stubbs, Greald Coetzee, Nandre Burger to name a few. Tony de Zorzi is the only black player they can try out at the moment. Hamza has fallen off the radar now after his 9 month doping ban, he will have to start all over again to make a case for himself.

They are hell bent on transformation but still not enough colored players coming through.

 

[James]

Still producing good bowlers, but the batting stocks seem to be very low.

 

[Energy]

SA look on par with Pakistan on current pool of players.

 

[MenInG]

Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter have been named as head coaches of South Africa's Test and limited-overs sides.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has split the roles after Mark Boucher stood down following last year's T20 World Cup.

Conrad, 55, is a former first-class cricketer and previously coached South Africa Under-19s.

Both coaches start in February, meaning Walter will not be in charge for the three one-day internationals against England, with the first on 27 January.

As Test coach, Conrad inherits a struggling side that was beaten away from home by England and Australia, and has limited opportunities in the format in 2023.

Malibongwe Maketa stood in as interim coach for the three-Test series against Australia in December and January, which South Africa lost 2-0.

The Proteas have a two-Test series against West Indies in February but then do not play another Test until they host India in December.

CSA reduced the number of fixtures in order to accommodate its new T20 league, SA20, which started earlier this month, but says its appointment of a specialist Test coach shows its commitment to the format.

"We haven't relegated Test cricket to the margins," said CSA chief executive Pholetsi Moseki. "We want to invest to get Test cricket back to the standard we expect."

Walter, a former South Africa strength and conditioning coach, also takes over an under-performing white-ball side, who are yet to qualify for this year's 50-over World Cup in India and were knocked out of the T20 World Cup by the Netherlands.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

SA bowling at home is brilliant!

 

[Saj]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced the Proteas Men’s contracted squad for the 2023/24 season, starting 01 May.

Over the next 12 months, the Proteas are set to face Australia at home ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. South Africa will then host India for a bilateral tour before finishing the season with an away tour to New Zealand.

The total of number of national contracts has increased from 16 to 20, with Dafabet Warriors Marco Jansen and Tristan Stubbs, DP World Lions Bjorn Fortuin, Sisanda Magala and Ryan Rickelton all being awarded contracts for the first time.

Heinrich Klaasen earned a contract upgrade during the course of the past season and has been retained for the upcoming season, while Wayne Parnell makes his return to the contracted squad.

Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki commented: “We are really excited by the mix of experienced and younger players that have been contracted this season as we continue to build a world-class outfit under the leadership of red and white-ball head coaches Shukri Conrad and Rob Walter.”

Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe added: “The number of contracted players has increased from 16 to 20 this season to ensure that we have a wider pool of white-ball specialists and Test players.

“We look forward to seeing them compete at the highest level in what is an important next 12 months for the limited-overs and Test sides, with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup taking place later this year as well as the start of the new World Test Championship cycle.”

Proteas Men’s Contracted Squad
Temba Bavuma (DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin, (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).