South Africa can be the Harry Kane of football, as the side has come very close to clinching the title despite defying all odds, yet has failed to win when it matters the most—just like England’s Harry Kane.
Nevertheless, South Africa still has a great chance to break the “chokers” tag and finally win something.
Recent form
South Africa’s build-up to the Champions Trophy has been poor. They have lost six of their last ten games and, since the 2023 World Cup, have won only four out of their 14 ODIs.
One could argue that the main players were not part of the squad, as South Africa has spent the last 15 months trying and testing many new players.
Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen
Probable playing XI
- Temba Bavuma
- Tony de Zorzi/ Ryan Rickelton
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Wiaan Mulder
Key players
Kagiso Rabada
Rabada has been South Africa’s most effective bowler, taking five wickets at an economy rate of 5.20 and an impressive average of 20.80. His ability to strike with the new ball and maintain control in the death overs makes him a key asset for the team.
Temba Bavuma
The South African skipper has played a steady role at the top, scoring 221 runs at an average of 31.57 and a strike rate of 85. His ability to anchor the innings will be crucial in providing a solid foundation for the middle order.
Jansen will be another key player for South Africa. His all-round abilities will be handy on Asian pitches, as he can contribute with both bat and ball.
Player to watch out for
Heinrich Klaasen
A vital cog in South Africa’s middle order, Heinrich Klaasen has been in stellar form, amassing 378 runs at an impressive average of 63 and a strike rate of 125.58. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games makes him one of the team’s most dangerous batters.
Strengths
Middle and lower order stability
South Africa’s middle and lower order has been one of their strongest assets, with the likes of Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, and Marco Jansen providing depth and firepower. Klaasen and Miller, in particular, have the ability to take the game away from the opposition with their aggressive stroke play.
New ball bowling
South Africa’s pace attack has been a key weapon, with Jansen and Rabada leading the charge with the new ball. Jansen has picked up six wickets at an economy of 6.11, while Rabada has been even more effective with an economy of 5.20. Their ability to strike early and put pressure on the opposition will be vital in the tournament.
Weaknesses
Fifth bowler concern
One of South Africa’s biggest concerns is the lack of a reliable fifth bowler. With Mulder and Aiden Markram expected to share ten overs, their effectiveness remains questionable. Mulder has taken six wickets but has been expensive, conceding runs at an economy of 6.59 with an average of 53.83.
Spin bowling struggles
South Africa’s spin attack has been underwhelming, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi failing to make a significant impact. Maharaj has only managed three wickets at an average of 53.67, while Shamsi has been even more expensive, picking up just one wicket at an economy of 6.36 and a staggering average of 248. Their inability to contain runs and pick up wickets in the middle overs could be a major concern.
Struggles against wrist spinners
South Africa’s batting lineup has struggled against wrist spinners, scoring just 249 runs while losing 12 wickets at an average of 20.75, the lowest among all teams. Their strike rate of 72.17 is also the second lowest, indicating their vulnerability in handling quality wrist spin. If they fail to address this issue, it could prove to be a major setback against teams with strong spin attacks.
South Africa has a talented squad with a strong middle order and a formidable pace attack, but their spin department and lack of a reliable fifth bowler could be their biggest hurdles. Overcoming these weaknesses will be key to their success in the tournament.
(Note: all the above stats are of post World Cup 2023)
Fixtures:
Feb 21: South Africa vs Afghanistan, Karachi
Feb 25: South Africa vs Australia, Rawalpindi
Mar 1: South Africa vs England, Karachi
South Africa has a strong core with a powerful middle order and a formidable pace attack, but their spin department and lack of a reliable fifth bowler could be potential weaknesses. Overcoming these challenges will be key to their success in the tournament.
