The final of the T20 World Cup 2024 will be contested between South Africa and India at the Kensington Oval on June 29. Both teams have shown exceptional skill, strategy and resilience throughout the tournament, which is expected to lead to a great encounter. South Africa had an unbeaten run in their T20 World Cup campaign and made it to the final after a stunning nine-wicket win over Afghanistan. Similarly, India also put up a brilliant performance to beat England by 68 runs to book their place in the final.
Ahead of this thrilling encounter, let’s take a look at the Proteas’ probable XI, which is set to take on the strong Indian side on Saturday.
Predicted XI
Quinton de Kock(wicketkeeper)
Quinton de Kock, who is an aggressive batsman, is expected to open the innings for South Africa in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. With 2,545 runs in 91 matches, an average of 31.41 and a strike rate of 138.54 in T20Is, the left-handed batsman has the ability to set a solid base for his team.
De Kock has led his team to victory in this World Cup and is South Africa’s leading run-scorer with 204 runs in eight matches. His ability to hit fours and sixes during the powerplay is a huge threat to India’s bowling attack.
Reeza Hendricks
Reeza Hendricks will open the innings with Quinton de Kock in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 against India. Known for his art of opening the innings, Hendricks has scored 1,938 runs in 67 T20 Internationals.
Although the right-handed batsman hasn’t had a great World Cup, scoring 109 runs in 8 matches, his ability to steady the innings could provide the much-needed solidity to South Africa’s top order.
Aiden Markram (captain)
The inclusion of South African captain Aiden Markram in the playing XI has strengthened the team’s middle order. Known for his brilliant stroke play and ability to score runs quickly, Markram has scored 1,237 runs in 47 T20 internationals at a strike rate of 144.
With South Africa set to face a strong Indian team, Markram’s experience and composure in batting and fielding will prove to be crucial in handling the pressure moments in this crucial match.
Heinrich Classen
The inclusion of Heinrich Klaasen against India has added explosive power to South Africa’s middle order. Known for his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly under pressure, Klaasen has scored 860 runs in 51 T20 internationals at a strike rate of 140.52.
Despite a disappointing showing in the T20 World Cup, Klaasen’s proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset against India’s versatile bowling attack.
david miller
The inclusion of David Miller against India has given the team a wealth of experience and finishing skills. Known for his powerful hitting and ability to change the course of a match in the death overs, Miller has been a consistent performer in high-pressure situations.
The South African left-handed batsman has scored 2,416 runs in 124 T20I matches at a strike rate of 140.71. Miller’s presence in Saturday’s match will be crucial in adding depth and strength to the batting lineup.
Tristan Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs will bring energy and innovative batting to the South African lineup. Known for his fearless approach and ability to score runs quickly, Stubbs brings a new dynamism to the middle order. His agility in the field and versatility with the bat make him a valuable asset, capable of changing gears at crucial moments.
Stubbs’ ability to score runs in the middle order has helped him amass 373 runs in 25 matches. The right-hander is likely to play a key role in bringing oomph and unpredictability to South Africa’s game plan.
Marco Jansson
Bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen breathes life into South Africa’s destructive fast bowling attack. Known for his tall stature and ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch, Jansen has so far taken 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.01.
Johnson’s ability to contribute with the bat, along with his ability to strike the ball at crucial moments of the match, has helped him score 62 runs in 12 T20 matches and he will have a big role to play in Saturday’s match against India.
keshav maharaj
Known for his excellent spin bowling and control, Keshav Maharaj brings a surprising element to South Africa’s bowling attack on spin-friendly pitches. His ability to contain runs and take crucial wickets in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. The left-arm orthodox bowler has taken 33 wickets in 34 T20I matches.
kagiso rabada
Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion in the playing XI against India is no surprise, as he is one of the leading fast bowlers in world cricket. Rabada’s pace, accuracy and ability to perform well under pressure make him a vital asset in South Africa’s bowling attack. Known for striking early with the new ball in the death overs thanks to his accurate length, Rabada has taken 70 wickets in 64 T20I matches.
Rabada’s experience and aggressive nature, who has taken 12 wickets in eight matches in the current World Cup, will be crucial in stopping India’s strong batting order and leading South Africa to victory.
Anrich Nortje
Protea pacer Anrich Nortje is set to lead the South African pace attack in the upcoming encounter. Known for his blistering pace and ability to generate bounce on any surface, Nortje has played a key role in leading his team to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
The right-arm pacer has taken 51 wickets in 41 T20 Internationals. He has performed brilliantly in the ongoing T20 World Cup, becoming South Africa’s highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets in eight matches. South Africa will rely on his speed and wicket-taking ability to challenge India’s strong batting lineup.
tabraiz shamsi
The inclusion of Tabraiz Shamsi in the playing XI will add more variety to South Africa’s bowling attack. As a left-arm wrist spinner, Shamsi brings variety and has the ability to upset the rhythm of India’s strong batting lineup. Known for his deceptive googly and variations, Shamsi has taken 89 wickets in 69 T20I matches at an economy rate of 7.38.
The Protea spinner will be coming into this upcoming match after taking 3 wickets in just 1.5 overs against Afghanistan. His ability to break partnerships as well as restrict runs will be crucial in restricting India’s score in the final.
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