New York: In their T20 World Cup Group D encounter against tenacious Bangladesh on Monday, South Africa will be hoping for a stronger batting effort.
With the uneven field at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, both sides will have their work cut out for them.
Bangladesh is relatively used to the circumstances having played India in their warm-up match at this stadium, while South Africa may have a minor advantage having played their previous two games here.
The South African batsmen didn’t seem at ease during their win against Sri Lanka, however, as they chased 77 and 103 runs, respectively, and struggled to triumph over the Netherlands on Saturday.
With Keshav Maharaj handling the spin chores, the Proteas are not likely to alter their four-pronged speed assault, which consists of Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Ottneil Baartmen. This combination has served them well in the competition so far.
But the hitters will need to do better. After ten overs, South Africa’s total against the Netherlands was only 33.
The Porteas faced a hat-trick of losses to the Dutch in the World Cup if it weren’t for their No. 4 player Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, who entered the game at number six and scored an undefeated fifty.
With a victory, South Africa will be well-positioned to qualify for the Super Eight.
South Africa also has history on their side since they have won the past two World Cups and have never lost to Bangladesh in Twenty20 Internationals.
Bangladesh’s victory against rival Sri Lanka at the start of the tournament will help their spirits.
However, Bangladesh’s hitters will also need to improve, much like the Proteas. They have performed poorly in both the warm-up match against Sri Lanka and India.
Although Liton Das has performed well, the others—especially under challenging conditions—need to assume more responsibility since the top order is prone to breakdowns.
Bangladesh is worried as all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan isn’t producing whether he bats or plays with the ball.
Bangladesh’s speed arsenal is devoid of a true tearaway fast bowler who can overwhelm the opposition at the top, and they may find it difficult to overcome a potent South African lineup that includes many power hitters.
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