The T20 World Cup preparations will continue with the second clash of the three-match T20I series between South Africa and the West Indies. The South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies Playing XI will be an attempt to test the players on their merit before sealing the combination for the T20 World Cup.
South Africa have one of the most fierce batting units in the world and are bolstered by their lethal pace attack. What they possessed during the India tour was not even 50% of their lethal pace attack. However, with the return of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj, they have formed an unmatchable aura.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of South Africa and the West Indies for the Second T20I, alongside the likely player combinations and crucial players to watch out for at the Centurion.
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies Playing XI – 2nd T20I
South Africa Playing XI vs West Indies – 2nd T20I
Openers: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c)
Quinton de Kock will be the main attacking batter for the South Africans. He has played a very crucial part in the T20I format ever since his return to international cricket. The series against India marked QDK’s magnificent performance, where South Africa managed just one win.
Aiden Markram, the South African captain, has been doing everything right for South Africa in recent times. Be it any format of the game, Markram has been South Africa’s lone hero.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, George Linde
Ryan Rickelton has not been named in the ICC T20 World Cup preliminary squad, nor has Tristan Stubbs been named; however, following their promising run in the SA20, the CSA might look to reconsider some of their calls.
This series would hence turn out to be very crucial from their point of view. Then comes the in-form Dewald Brevis, who recently came off having scored a stunning century in the SA20 final.
South Africa’s all-rounders will have to take command with the bat as well, as Marco Jansen might see a promotion in the batting department, especially in Dewald Brevis and Donovan Ferreira’s absence in the series.
Bowlers: Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Kagiso Rabada, the veteran pacer, will pair alongside Anrich Nortje, who returned to the national team after his campaigns were disrupted by several injuries over the last few years. They will be paired alongside the experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj.
Corbin Bosch can be picked over Lungi Ngidi to add depth to the South African batting order. Bosch has often shown how useful he is with the ball, especially in the death overs.
South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Corbin Bosch.
West Indies Playing XI vs South Africa – 2nd T20I
Openers: Brandon King, Johnson Charles
Like always, the West Indies will rely on their batters, Johnson Charles and Brandon King, for the start of their innings. Their role has been quite constant in the T20I side for the Windies.
While Johnson Charles will be targeting to take down the bowlers, making some good use of the powerplay, Brandon King will be providing the needed stability from the other end.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd
The return of the skipper is expected to add some relief to the West Indies’ middle order, which otherwise looked to be too rugged. Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford are the in-form batters, and the likes of Rovman Powell and Romario Shepherd add the firepower to the very diligent batting lineup.
Bowlers: Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie/Shamar Joseph
Experienced campaigner Jason Holder will be the pundit above all other players. Holder has more experience than the skipper himself. A true veteran of T20 cricket, the former West Indian skipper knew how to make the conditions play according to him.
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are likely to be the spin options, as Shai Hope’s return might no longer leave a vacant spot for the all-rounder Roston Chase. Jayden Seales can be the sole one in charge of the pace deck with Shamar Joseph still benched.
West Indies Playing XI: Brandon King, Johnson Charles (wk), Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Jayden Seales, and Gudakesh Motie/Shamar Joseph.
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