The T20 World Cup 2024 final will witness South Africa clashing with India at the Kensington Oval on June 29. Both teams have showcased exceptional skill, strategy, and resilience throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an epic encounter. South Africa’s unbeaten run in their T20 World Cup campaign saw them reaching the final after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan. Similarly, India had a stellar journey, securing their spot in the final by defeating England by 68 runs.

Ahead of this thrilling showdown, let’s take a look at the Proteas’ predicted XI as they prepare to face the formidable Men in Blue on Saturday.

Predicted XI

Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper)

Quinton de Kock, the hard-hitting batter, is expected to open the innings for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. With 2,545 runs in 91 matches, averaging 31.41 and a strike rate of 138.54 in T20Is, the left-hander has the potential to set a solid foundation for his team.

De Kock has led his team from the front this World Cup and is the highest run-scorer for South Africa with 204 runs in eight matches. His capability to score fours and sixes in bulk during the powerplay poses a significant threat to India’s bowling attack.

Reeza Hendricks

Reeza Hendricks is expected to open the innings alongside Quinton de Kock in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final against India. Renowned for his knack of anchoring the innings, Hendricks has amassed 1,938 runs in 67 T20I matches.

Although the right-hander hasn’t had a standout World Cup, scoring 109 runs in 8 matches, his capability to stabilise the innings could provide much-needed solidity to South Africa’s top order.

Aiden Markram (captain)

South Africa captain Aiden Markram’s inclusion in the playing XI is a significant boost to the team’s middle order. Markram, known for his elegant stroke play and ability to accelerate the scoring rate, has notched up 1,237 runs in 47 T20I matches while maintaining a strike rate of 144.

As South Africa prepare to face a formidable Indian side, Markram’s experience and composure with the bat and in the field will be pivotal in navigating the high-pressure moments in this crucial match.

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen’s inclusion against India adds explosive power to South Africa’s middle order. Renowned for his aggressive batting and ability to score rapidly under pressure, Klaasen has accumulated 860 runs in 51 T20Is with a strike rate of 140.52.

Despite an underwhelming T20 World Cup, Klaasen’s proficiency against both pace and spin makes him a valuable asset against India’s versatile bowling attack.

David Miller

David Miller’s inclusion against India brings a wealth of experience and finishing prowess to the team. 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 southpaw has scored 2,416 runs in 124 T20I matches backed by a strike rate of 140.71. Miller’s presence will be crucial in adding depth and firepower to the batting lineup come Saturday.

Tristan Stubbs

Tristan Stubbs will bring energy and innovative batting to the South African lineup. Known for his fearless approach and ability to score quickly, Stubbs brings a fresh dynamism to the middle order. His agility in the field and versatility with the bat make him a valuable asset, capable of shifting through the gears in crucial moments.

Stubbs’ knack for scoring runs in the middle has seen him pile up 373 runs in 25 matches. The right-hander is likely to play a key role in injecting impetus and unpredictability to South Africa’s game plan.

Marco Jansen

Bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen brings firepower to SA’s destructive pace attack. Known for his tall stature and ability to extract bounce and movement from the pitch, Jansen has taken 12 wickets in as many T20I matches so far while maintaining an economy rate of 8.01.

Along with his ability to strike with the ball in crucial moments of the match, Jansen’s capability to contribute with the bat has seen him score 62 runs in 12 T20I matches and he will have a big role to play against India come Saturday.

Keshav Maharaj

Known for his exceptional spin bowling and control, Keshav Maharaj brings an element of surprise to South Africa’s bowling attack on the spin-friendly pitches. His ability to contain runs and take key wickets in the middle overs makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. The left-arm orthodox bowler has scalped 33 wickets in 34 T20I matches.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion to the playing XI against India comes as no surprise considering he’s one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. Rabada’s pace, precision, and ability to deliver under pressure make him a crucial asset in South Africa’s bowling attack. Known to strike early with the new ball thanks to his accurate lengths in the death overs, Rabada has clinched 70 wickets in 64 T20I matches.

With 12 wickets in eight matches in the ongoing World Cup, Rabada’s experience and fiery temperament will be pivotal in curbing India’s formidable batting lineup and steering South Africa towards victory.

Anrich Nortje

Protea pacer Anrich Nortje is set to lead the South African pace attack in the upcoming encounter. Known for his express pace and ability to generate bounce on any surface, Nortje has been instrumental in guiding his team to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

The right-arm fast bowler has taken 51 wickets in 41 T20I matches. He has enjoyed a stellar run in the ongoing T20 World Cup, emerging as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker with 13 wickets in eight matches. South Africa will rely on his pace and wicket-taking ability to challenge India’s formidable batting lineup.

Tabraiz Shamsi

Tabraiz Shamsi’s inclusion in the playing XI adds more versatility to South Africa’s bowling attack. As a left-arm wrist spinner, Shamsi brings variety and the ability to disrupt the rhythm of India’s strong batting lineup. Known for his deceptive googlies and variations, Shamsi has taken 89 wickets in 69 T20I matches with an economy rate of 7.38.

The Protea spinner enters this upcoming contest following a 3-wicket haul in just 1.5 overs against Afghanistan. His knack for breaking partnerships besides also containing runs will be crucial in curbing India’s total in the final.

The highly anticipated final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, will feature a thrilling showdown between South Africa and India. This grand finale is scheduled to take place at the historic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on June 29, commencing at 08:00 PM IST.

SA vs IND, Final Preview

South Africa comes into the final with significant momentum, having secured a commanding nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their previous match. Key to this success was the performance of Tabraiz Shamsi, who earned an impressive 107 fantasy points, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s spin bowling attack.

India, on the other hand, delivered a dominant performance in their semi-final clash against England, winning by a substantial margin of 68 runs. Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer for India, scoring 123 fantasy points thanks to his exceptional bowling skills, which will be crucial in the final.

SA vs IND, Head-to-Head

In their last encounter during the third T20I of a bilateral series in South Africa in 2023, the two teams demonstrated their competitive spirit. Keshav Maharaj was South Africa’s top fantasy scorer with 65 points, while Kuldeep Yadav led the charge for India with a remarkable 187 fantasy points.

Historically, in the 26 matches played between these two cricketing giants, the batters from both sides have consistently accumulated the most fantasy points, highlighting the importance of batting prowess in this rivalry.

SA vs IND, Top Players to Watch Out For

Arshdeep Singh (IND)

Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm medium-fast bowler, has been in superb form, taking 12 wickets in his last five matches. His ability to take crucial wickets makes him a key player to watch out for in the final.

Hardik Pandya (IND)

Hardik Pandya, known for his all-round capabilities, has been a vital asset for India. In his recent three outings, he has scored 132 runs in the recent five matches and has picked up three wickets with the ball.

Rishabh Pant (IND)

Rishabh Pant, a dynamic left-handed top-order batter and wicketkeeper, has had a mixed run in this tournament, with 171 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 28.50. Despite the inconsistency, his aggressive batting style can turn the game around.

Tabraiz Shamsi (SA)

Tabraiz Shamsi, a slow left-arm chinaman bowler, has been a standout performer for South Africa, taking 11 wickets at an average of 9.3 in his last four matches. His wicket-taking ability will be crucial in the final against India.

Quinton de Kock (SA)

Quinton de Kock, a left-handed top-order batter and wicketkeeper, has shown his class with 204 runs in the recent eight matches at a strike rate of 143.66. His experience and ability to score runs quickly make him a key player for South Africa.

Marco Jansen (SA)

Marco Jansen, an all-rounder who bowls left-arm medium-fast, has taken six wickets in this tournament. With the bat, he has contributed 30 runs, showcasing his versatility and importance to the team.

Conclusion

Given their performances in the tournament so far, South Africa will rely on their strong bowling line-up, led by the likes of Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen. However, India’s balanced team, featuring impactful players like Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh, cannot be underestimated. This final promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams vying for the prestigious title.

South Africa sent a stern warning to their opponents in the 2024 T20 World Cup, as they bowled out Afghanistan for a total of just 56, before chasing it down in under 10 overs. The Proteas reached their first-ever T20 World Cup Final, and will face either India or England on June 29. But throughout their dominant bowling performance, one moment stood out, showing the sheer might of the South African bowling unit. The delivery – bowled by Kagiso Rabada – went viral on social media.

With Afghanistan off to a shaky start at 20-3, Kagiso Rabada bowled a peach of a delivery to knock over veteran batter Mohammad Nabi for a duck.

The inswinging delivery sent Nabi’s off-stump cartwheeling. Afghanistan were down to 20-4 inside four overs. The ball beat Nabi between his bat and pad, and dismantled the stumps.

Rabada bowled a maiden over, including the two wickets of Nabi and opener Ibrahim Zadran. Rabada’s delivery went viral on X, with fans raving.

“Look at the run up, the action and the delivery. The perfect fast bowler,” tweeted one user.

Rabada, what is this ?

..#SAvsAFG #SAvAFG #T20WoldCup pic.twitter.com/6EjhRdnRwR

— 56 is not Just Number (@HUSNAINMANJ_01) June 27, 2024

Another fan on social media called for Rabada to receive more appreciation.

One comparison touted Rabada as a greater bowler than legendary South African speedstar Dale Steyn at his peak.

One more fan brought up the mouth-watering prospect of India’s Virat Kohli facing Rabada in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final.

With the chances of rain being over 90% for the second semi-final, an abandoned match would see India qualify to the final ahead of England, due to their better group stage finish.

People talk about Bumrah, people talk about Starc, people talk about Cummins. But this beast has always gone under-appreciated despite being too good in every format for years now. https://t.co/W4dPYWMHq7

— Thank You Davey (@jersey_no_46) June 27, 2024

This boy’s purpose was to play cricket. Better than prime Dale Steyn in my books https://t.co/g9kWeJVkfc

— Linda #WOD (@The_DonHimself) June 27, 2024

Rabada to kohli https://t.co/absD9MOn9r

— Oscar (@Oscar_0039) June 27, 2024

Rabada’s two wickets, along with three each from Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi and two more from Anrich Nortje, helped South Africa bundle up the Afghan batting lineup in just 11.5 overs.

South Africa still have a 100% win record in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

England vs South Africa: Super Eight – Match 5 Preview

Super Eight – Match 5 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, features England taking on South Africa. This match is set to take place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, on June 21 at 08:00 PM IST.

Match Background

England comes into this match with a strong performance, having defeated West Indies by eight wickets in their first Super Eight game. Similarly, South Africa emerged victorious against the USA, winning by 18 runs.

The last time these two teams met in a T20I was in July 2022, during South Africa’s tour of England, where David Willey and Tabraiz Shamsi were the standout performers for their respective teams.

Head-to-Head

In their 25 T20I encounters, England’s bowlers have generally outperformed, contributing the most fantasy points, while South Africa’s batters have been the primary point earners for their side. This match will test the skills and strategies of both teams as they vie for a crucial win.

Key Players to Watch

Philip Salt (ENG)

Philip Salt, a top-order right-handed batter and wicketkeeper, has scored 147 runs in his last five matches, showing consistent performance. His ability to score quickly at the top will be crucial for England.

Adil Rashid (ENG)

Adil Rashid, England’s leg-break bowler, has taken six wickets in his last five matches. His knack for taking wickets in the middle overs makes him a key player for England’s bowling attack.

Sam Curran (ENG)

Sam Curran, a versatile all-rounder, has scored 91 runs and taken four wickets in his last five matches. His contributions with both bat and ball will be vital for England’s success.

Ottneil Baartman (SA)

Ottneil Baartman, a right-arm medium-fast bowler, has been impressive with eight wickets in his last five games at an average of 11.6. His ability to strike early will be crucial for South Africa.

Tristan Stubbs (SA)

Tristan Stubbs, a right-handed batter, has shown potential with scores of 20, 27, 0, 33 and 13 in his last five matches. His middle-order stability will be important for South Africa.

Tabraiz Shamsi (SA)

Tabraiz Shamsi, a slow left-arm chinaman bowler, has taken six wickets in his last four matches at an average of 15.8. His spin bowling will be key in restricting England’s scoring rate.

Nepal’s dream of entering the T20 World Cup 2024, Super 8s stage, shattered after they lost against South Africa in a nail-biting thriller. Opting to bowl first, Nepal restricted the Proteas to 115/7 in 20 overs with Kushal Bhurtel scalping four wickets. Later in the chase, Nepal always had an upper hand as their batters stitched good partnerships. However, it was spinner Tabraiz Shamsi‘s deadly spell of 4/19, which completely changed the result of the game as the Proteas sealed victory on the very last ball.

On the last ball of the match, Nepal needed 2 runs to win. Batter Gulshan Jha failed to connect the bat with Ottneil Baartman’s delivery as the ball went straight to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who threw it towards Heinrich Klaasen on time, resulting in Nepal batter’s run out. 

As the celebrations began in South Africa’s camp, Gulshan Jha sat in disbelief after the loss. His teammate Sompal Kami tried to console him but Jha, who got teary eyed, took some moments and then walked away to the dugout.

Nepalese players crying……!!!!

– This is the youngest team in this world cup, they put up a great performance against South Africa but very sadly lost by just 1 run. Nepal has won our hearts…..#SAvNep#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/B1YqreD0Q0

— Khal!D ‌ (@bd71khalid) June 15, 2024 

Needing eight runs off the final over in pursuit of a modest target of 116 for a stunning upset win, the Nepalese fell agonisingly short at 114 for seven with Gulshan Jha run out off the final ball as he attempted a single off Ottneil Baartman to force a super over.

“Very grateful to have got the win. Don’t think we were anywhere near our best tonight. For large parts, don’t think we thought we’d be on the right side of that as well. Lot of learnings for us. We’ve got a really good pace attack and you have to back that. We spoke about coming in with energy and see if there was anything in the wicket,” said South Africa skipper Aiden Markram after the win. 

“They (Nepal) bowled really well and made it tough for us. They put us under a lot of pressure and it shows the quality they have. Mix that with a lack of conviction in our dressing room so there’s a lot of learnings for us. It’s about backing the players we’ve developed and going forward with that,” he added. 

South Africa pulled-off a stunning one-run victory over Nepal in their T20 World Cup 2024, Group D match on Saturday (IST). The Proteas will now march into the Super 8s with a flawless run as they registered victories in all of their group stage matches. In the match against Nepal, South Africa were the verge of defeat as Rohit Paudel and co were comfortably moving ahead in the chase of 116. However, spinner Tabraiz Shamsi‘s four-wicket changed the momentum of the game in the favour of the Proteas as they snatched victory from Nepal on the last ball.

With this loss, Nepal got eliminated from the Super 8s race. Their exit sent social media into a meltdown as many fans were left heartbroken. Even former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar and famous VJ Nikhil Chinapa also lauded Nepal for their performance.

Nepal is the team to watch in the next 10 years!

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) June 15, 2024

Come on Nepal. What a game! The youngest team in the tournament. You have my respect and admiration. #NEPvSA #T20WorldCup

— Nikhil Chinapa (@nikhilchinapa) June 15, 2024

Nepal were just 1 run short.

– Players and fans in tears after such a heartbreak. pic.twitter.com/n66cYmnoXr

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 15, 2024

Heart Breaking moment when Nepal lost by just 1 run vs South Africa as Gulsan Jha was runout by the barest of margin. #NEPvSA #NEPvsSA #SAvNEP #SAvsNEPpic.twitter.com/ZOqtuxP5VK

— Abdullah Neaz(@cric___guy) June 15, 2024

Heartbroken for Nepal

SA beat nepal by just 1 run#SAvsNEP #T20WorldCup #Nepal #NEPvsSA pic.twitter.com/bK0W1ZXmBw

— rebanta pandey (@Jitu172) June 15, 2024

What a game it was! Nepal lost by a very small margin, by one run! The players performed very well and this day has been recorded in golden letters in the history of Nepal cricket.#NEPvsSA #Nepal pic.twitter.com/tAfrZcyn2A

— Dushyant Kumar (@DushyantKrRawat) June 15, 2024

Needing eight runs off the final over in pursuit of a modest target of 116 for a stunning upset win, the Nepalese fell agonisingly short at 114 for seven with Gulshan Jha run out off the final ball as he attempted a single off Ottneil Baartman to force a super over.

After leg-break bowler Kushal Bhurtel (4 for 19) and off-spinner Dipendra Singh Airee (3 for 21) limited the Proteas to 115 for seven batting first, Aasif Sheikh (42) and Anil Sah (27) featured in a 50-run third-wicket partnership which pulled the Nepalese within touching distance of a result which would have kept their hopes alive of getting to the Super Eight phase of the tournament.

“Very proud of the unit, especially the way we bowled and batted. We saw the wicket yesterday and thought it will be on the slower side. We saw that it helped spinners and thats when we introduced Kushal Bhurtel and carried on with the spinners,” said Nepal skipper Paudel after the loss.

“We were so close yet a little far. We didnt do well in the crunch moments but we fought very well. Well be on the other side next time if we play teams like this more often. I want to thank the fans for supporting us. We are very grateful to them,” he added.

(With AFP Inputs)

Ball-tracking in action during Pakistan’s review for the wicket of Tabriaz Shamsi.© X (formerly Twitter)