South Africa Preview:
South Africa (SA) is one of the much-improved sides since the last world cup. They are without their captain Dane van Niekerk, but SA is filled with a lot of match-winners who can win the game on their own on any given day. They are one of the top 4 contenders to end up lifting the World Cup.
Previous World Cup Results
Defending 5 of 10 balls, South Africa almost pulled off a win in the 2017 semi-finals against England. They were also the semi-finalist in the 2020 T20 world cup, which they lost to Australia in a rain-affected game.
Current Form
Before the world cup, South Africa defeated West Indies twice and dominated both series. They will miss their regular captain Dane van Niekerk, but they have Sune Luus as a replacement. Mignon du Preez, Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt forms the core of their batting, with Shabnim Ismail will lead the bowling front with Ayabonga Khaka.
What happened in the Warm-ups?
South Africa, unfortunately, lost both their warm-up matches.
India vs South Africa-
South Africa won the toss and elected to field first at Rangiora Oval, Rangiora. Ayabonga Khaka 3 for 23 helped South Africa to restrict India to a total of 244/9. In return, they gave a tough fight. However, India kept taking wickets at regular intervals and eventually won the match two runs. Sune Luus (86) and Laura Wolvaardt (83) were their top scorer in the match.
After the 50 over the match, a mock super over was played. South Africa managed to score 9 runs off Meghna Singh. However, India’s Richa Ghosh and star player of the match Harmanpreet Kaur chased it down with 1 ball remaining.
South Africa vs England-
The match was reduced to 35 overs a side as the rain played a spoilsport. South Africa’s batting line-up collapsed as England bowlers thrashed them. All-rounder Marizanne Kapp (52) and Chloe Tryon (27) helped them to reach a total of 138 runs in 35 overs.
In return, England registered an easy win over them. Tammy Beaumont (35), Nat Sciver (33) and a small cameo from Amy Jones helped England win the match by six wickets.
Squad
Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon (vc), Tazmin Brits, Trisha Chetty, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Mignon du Preez, Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnim Ismail
Who are the star players
Marizanne Kapp, who contributes both bat and ball is their star performer. The last time SA played a WC match in the 2020 T20 WC semis, Kapp has to miss the game due to health reasons, and SA lost the game by a narrow margin. Kapp would be raring to go and make sure history doesn’t repeat itself.
Player to watch out for
Though South Africa has a lot of star players, Laura Wolvaardt is the player to watch out for and has grown leaps and bounds over the last few years.
Definite Pick in Fantasy Team
Star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp is one of the must-have players on the fantasy side, as she has been excellent both bat and the ball.
