The Group stage is over now it is time for the Super Eights. Eight teams including England, Australia, India, South Africa, West Indies, USA, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh have qualified for the next round.
The first game of the Super Eight will be played between South Africa and USA at the Sir Vivian Richards’ Stadium on 19th June.
Team Overview:
South Africa have won all of their matches in the Group Stage and were the first team to qualify for the Super Eights, although their last few encounters were nail-biters as the Proteas side secured one run victory over Nepal.
Nevertheless, South Africa will be in great confidence as they won the games under the pump against Bangladesh and Nepal.
The bowlers of Aiden Markarm’s side have been top-notch. Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi have shown quality performances so far.
Maharaj defended 11 against Bangladesh while Baartman did not let Nepal score 8 runs in the last over to seal the game. So, the bowlers are in great form.
The batting has been a real struggle for the South African side thus far. Reeza Hendricks showed some defiance against Nepal but the likes of Aiden and De Kock are yet to fire in this World Cup so far.
Heinrich Klaasen has been in a good touch as he was the man of the match against Bangladesh.
The Proteas will look forward to putting on a strong performance with the bat either they bat first or second. A win against the USA will boost their chances to make it to the semi-finals. Further they will face West Indies and England in the Super Eight.
About the USA, no one would have thought the USA would qualify for the next stage as they were placed in a group which had the likes of Pakistan and Ireland.
USA beat Canada and Pakistan in their first two encounters and their game versus Ireland was washed-out which helped them to proceed to the next stage.
Aaron Jones was the key player against Canada and Pakistan as his performance helped his side to clinch these important and crucial victories. So, if they want to beat South Africa Jones will have to show clutch performances.
Saurabah Netravalkar was on song as he got the prized scalp of Mohammad Rizwan and Virat Kohli. The pacer will be keen to pick up some key players against South Africa as well.
Pitch and weather report:
This venue has been batting friendly as compared to the other venues which have supported bowlers mainly. Four matches have been played at this venue both uninterrupted and rain-curtailed ones and the run rate has been 8+ per over. The pitch may help spinners to stamp the authority, thanks to the crosswinds!
Head-to-head record:
The upcoming encounter will the first ever game between the said nation
Predictions:
Although USA have shown amazing performances so far, South Africa is hot-favourite to win this encounter keeping their win streak intact in this T20 World Cup so far.
Where to watch:
Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming), Tamasha app (Live streaming), Tapmad (live streaming)
India – Star Sports
England – SkySport Network
USA and Canada (Willow TV)
Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
UK & Northern Ireland – Sky Sports
Sri Lanka – Maharaja TV
Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
