South Africa and Afghanistan are all set to clash in an exciting three-match ODI series, beginning September 18 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The series will serve as a significant test for both sides as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

A crucial series ahead of major tournaments

Both South Africa and Afghanistan view this series as an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and build crucial momentum ahead of upcoming international competitions. With the Champions T??rophy 2025 on the horizon, the teams will be eager to work out the kinks in their lineup and develop win??ning combinations during the series.

For South Africa, the series offers a chance to establish consistency in their playing XI, solidify their batting order, and test their bowling depth in UAE conditions. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on the familiarity of Sharjah’s slow, spin-friendly pitches, and enhance their competitiveness against a formidable opponent.

Importance of the conditions

Sharjah’s surfaces are known to favor spinners and have lower bounce, conditions which Afghanistan’s bowling attack—led by world-class spinners—will be keen to exploit. South Africa, who are known for their pace and power, will need to adapt quickly and focus on building solid partnerships in the middle overs, where the pitch could slow down.

South Africa’s top-choice playing XI for the ODI series against Afghanistan:

Temba Bavuma (c)

• Role: Right-hand batter, Captain
• Strengths: Bavuma is renowned for his ability to stay composed under pressure. His technique is solid, particularly against pace, and he’s capable of occupying the crease for long periods, helping to anchor the innings. His leadership skills are also a major strength, as he brings calmness and tactical astuteness.
• Expectation: As captain, Bavuma is expected to lead from the front, both with his bat and his tactical decisions. He should play the role of the anchor, especially when wickets fall early. His leadership will be critical, in handling pressure moments, rotating bowlers, and managing field settings.
• Impact in the side: Bavuma’s composure and leadership will have a stabilizing effect on the team. His ability to bat through innings can provide a foundation for the middle order to capitalize on. His calm demeanor is essential during tense matches, making him a key figure in maintaining the team’s focus throughout the game.

Reeza Hendricks

• Role: Right-hand opening batter
• Strengths: Hendricks is a fluent stroke player known for his timing and ability to find gaps. He has a knack for building innings and can adapt his game according to the situation, whether accelerating in the powerplay or consolidating when required.
• Expectation: Hendricks is expected to give the team quick starts in the powerplay by playing aggressive, yet calculated, cricket. His role is to set the tone for the innings and build partnerships at the top of the order.
• Impact in the side: As an opener, Hendricks�?ability to dominate early in the innings can put the opposition on the back foot immediately. His success in the powerplay will allow the team to play with more freedom in the middle overs. His adaptability to different situations makes him an invaluable asset at the top.

Aiden Markram

• Role: Right-hand batter, occasional off-spin bowler
• Strengths: Markram’s biggest asset is his adaptability. He is capable of shifting gears effortlessly, whether it’s stabilizing an innings after early losses or accelerating when quick runs are needed. Markram’s elegant stroke play and ability to score all around the ground make him difficult to contain.
• Expectation: Markram will be looked upon to hold the innings together and provide impetus in the middle overs. His role is to ensure smooth transitions between phases of the game, from consolidating after early wickets to setting up the finishing stages.
• Impact in the side: Markram’s presence provides balance to the team. His ability to bat for long periods and score fluently in all conditions ensures that the batting lineup remains versatile. His handy off-spin gives the captain another bowling option, especially on turning tracks.

Tony de Zorzi

• Role: Left-hand batter
• Strengths: De Zorzi is a solid middle-order batter with an excellent temperament for building innings. He is patient, has a sound technique, and is capable of anchoring the innings when needed.
• Expectation: De Zorzi is expected to steady the ship in the middle overs and build partnerships, especially after early wickets. His role will be to bat through the middle phase of the innings and provide a platform for the lower order to accelerate.
• Impact in the side: De Zorzi’s stability in the middle order will be crucial, particularly in setting up or chasing totals. His ability to build innings while maintaining a steady run rate will ensure that the team doesn’t lose momentum during key phases.

Also READ: Afghan??istan announces squad for the ODI series against South Africa in UAE; Rashid Khan returns

Tristan Stubbs

• Role: Right-hand middle-order batter, occasional off-spin
• Strengths: Stubbs is a powerful hitter, particularly strong in the death overs where he can clear the ropes with ease. His aggressive approach and ability to score at a high strike rate make him a key finisher. His quick reflexes make him an excellent fielder in the outfield.
• Expectation: Stubbs is expected to finish innings strongly by adding quick runs in the final overs. His role is to provide the firepower needed to capitalize on the platform set by the top and middle order.
• Impact in the side: Stubbs�?explosive batting in the lower order can be the difference in tight games. His ability to hit boundaries at will makes him a dangerous player, especially in T20 cricket.

Kyle Verreynne (wk)

• Role: Wicketkeeper, right-hand batter
• Strengths: Verreynne is a dependable lower-middle-order batter who thrives in situations that require composure. He’s quick between the wickets and capable of rotating the strike efficiently. Behind the stumps, Verreynne is sharp and has excellent reflexes, which makes him a reliable wicketkeeper.
• Expectation: Verreynne’s role is to keep the innings stable and provide support to the tail, ensuring the team gets through difficult patches. His wicketkeeping duties will also be crucial, especially when dealing with spinners and ensuring quick stumpings and catches.
• Impact in the side: Verreynne’s calm approach under pressure is vital for the team’s lower-order batting. His ability to save runs behind the stumps and provide stability during tight chases or defending small totals makes him an essential part of the team.

Wiaan Mulder

• Role: All-rounder
• Strengths: Mulder brings genuine all-round abilities to the table. As a batter, he’s capable of playing impactful knocks lower down the order, with the ability to switch between defensive and aggressive modes.
• Expectation: Mulder is expected to be the team’s key all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. His role with the bat is to add crucial runs lower down the order, and with the ball, he’s expected to control the run rate and take wickets at key intervals.
• Impact in the side: Mulder’s ability to contribute in all three departments makes him an indispensable part of the side. His presence adds depth to both the batting and bowling units, allowing the team more flexibility in their tactics.

Andile Phehlukwayo

• Role: All-rounder
• Strengths: Phehlukwayo excels in pressure situations, particularly with the ball during the death overs. His variations, such as slower balls and yorkers, make him difficult to score off, especially in the closing stages of an innings.
• Expectation: Phehlukwayo’s main role is to bowl in high-pressure situations, particularly in the death overs, and contain runs. With the bat, he’s expected to play the role of a finisher, adding crucial runs towards the end of the innings.
• Impact in the side: Phehlukwayo’s ability to deliver under pressure makes him an important player in limited-overs cricket. His death bowling and lower-order hitting can be game-changing, and his experience in tight situations will be a big asset for the team.

Bjorn Fortuin

• Role: Left-arm orthodox spinner
• Strengths: Fortuin’s main strength is his accuracy and control, especially in limiting runs during the powerplay or middle overs. He’s capable of building pressure by bowling dot balls, forcing batters to take risks. His ability to break partnerships and control the game’s tempo makes him a potent weapon, particularly on spinning tracks.
• Expectation: Fortuin is expected to control the middle overs by containing runs and picking up key wickets. His role will be to maintain pressure on the opposition and provide the captain with control in terms of field placements and bowling strategies.
• Impact in the side: Fortuin’s impact comes through his economy and wicket-taking ability, both of which can shift momentum. His role in controlling the game through tight spells will allow the pacers to attack from the other end, providing balance to the bowling attack.

Lungi Ngidi

• Role: Right-arm fast bowler
• Strengths: Ngidi’s ability to generate pace and seam movement makes him a constant threat, particularly in the early overs. His control over line and length, combined with his ability to bowl effective slower balls, makes him lethal in both the powerplay and at the death.
• Expectation: Ngidi will be expected to strike early in the powerplay and return to bowl crucial overs at the death. His role will be to provide early breakthroughs and contain runs in pressure situations.
• Impact in the side: Ngidi’s ability to dismantle the top order and his control at the death make him one of the most important players in the bowling lineup. His consistency in taking wickets and his ability to execute under pressure will be key to the team’s success.

Lizaad Williams

• Role: Right-arm fast-medium bowler
• Strengths: Williams is known for his swing and seam movement, especially in helpful conditions. He’s an aggressive bowler who can generate movement off the pitch, troubling batters early in the innings.
• Expectation: Williams is expected to bowl with the new ball and swing it early, creating opportunities for wickets in the powerplay. He will also be relied upon to bowl crucial middle-overs, keeping the batters quiet and looking for breakthroughs.
• Impact in the side: Williams’ swing bowling adds an extra dimension to the attack, especially in conditions that suit seam movement. His ability to bowl with control and take wickets in the middle overs will be essential in ensuring the team remains in control of the game.

Also READ: Cricket South ??Africa announces sq??uad for ODI series against Afghanistan

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After a successful Test series win over the West Indies earlier this month, where South Africa emerged victorious with a 1-0 margin after the first match ended in a draw, the focus now shifts to the shorter format. The Proteas are set to face the West Indies in a three-match T20I series, with all matches scheduled to take place in Tarouba, ??Trinidad, on August 23, 25, and 27.

Absence of key players in the South Africa lineup

Riding high on the wave of confidence from their Test series victory, South Africa will be eager to extend their winning streak into the T20I series. However, this ambition will be tested as they field a relatively inexperienced squad. The absence of stalwarts like Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj leaves a significant void in the lineup. This scenario, nevertheless, p?resents a golden opportunity for fresh talent to rise to the occasion and establish themselves on the international stage.

New faces and fresh opportunities against West Indies

The absence of senior players has opened the door for young and promising talent to showcase their abilities on the international stage. Jason Smith and Kwena Maphaka are among the new?? additions to the squad. Maphaka, who impressed with three five-wicket hauls in the U-19 World Cup earlier this year, has already made his IPL debut with Mumbai Indians. His inclusion in the Proteas squad is highly anticipated, as he looks to repl??icate his U-19 success at the senior level.

Other players like Jason Smith, Donovan Ferreira and Patrick Kruger, who have been consistent performers in domestic and franchise cricket, will also have the chance to shine in the Proteas colors. Both Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton, who have been on the ??fringes of the national ??team, will be keen to make a significant impact and cement their places in the squad.

Also READ: New Zealand legend Tim ??Southee names his favourite bowler of the modern-day cricket

South Africa’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against West Indies:

1. Reeza Hendricks – Opener
Strength: Reeza Hendricks is known for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings. His experience and calm approach make him a reliable opener who can set a solid foundation for the team. Hendricks has a good technique against pace and spin, making him versatile in varying conditions.
Role: His primary role will be to provide a steady start and build partnerships, ensuring the team doesn’t? lose early wickets. He is also capable of accelerating when required, transitioning seamlessly from an anchor role to a more aggressive approach.

2. Ryan Rickelton (wk) – Opener/Wicketkeeper
Strength: Ryan Rickelton is a dynamic left-handed opener who can take advantage of the powerplay by playing aggressive strokes. His wicketkeeping skills add balance to the team, allowing flexibility in team selection. Rickelton’s ability to score quickly at the top can put the opposition under pressure early in the innings.
Role: As an opener, Rickelton’s role will be to exploit the powerplay, finding gaps and taking on the bowlers. His wicketkeeping duties will require him to be sharp behind the stumps, particularly against spinners.

3. Aiden Markram (C) – Top-order Batter/Captain
Strength: Aiden Markram brings stability to the top order with his composed batting style. His leadership skills are crucial, guiding the team both tactically and strategically. Markram has the ability to rotate the strike effectively and can shift gears when needed, making him adaptable in different match situations.
Role: As captain, Markram’s role extends beyond his batting. He will be responsible for making key decisions on the field, such as bowling changes and field placements. With the bat, he will aim to consolidate the innings, especially if early wickets fall, and steer the team towards a competitive total.

4. Rassie van der Dussen – Middle-order Batter
Strength: Rassie van der Dussen is renowned for his calm demeanor and ability to handle pressure situations. He excels in rotating the strike and playing the role of a finisher. His experience and understanding of the game make him a key player in the middle order.
Role: Van der Dussen’s primary role will be to stabilize the innings in the middle overs and ensure the team doesn’t lose momentum. He will also be expected to finish the innings strongly, guiding the team to a competitive total.

5. Tristan Stubbs – Middle-order Batter
Strength: Tristan Stubbs is an explosive middle-order batter known for his powerful hitting ability. He can clear boundaries with ease and has the temperament to take on bowlers in the death overs. Stubbs adds firepower to the lower middle order, making him a dangerous player in T20 cricket.
Role: Stubbs will be the designated power-hitter, tasked with accelerating the run rate in the latter stages of the innings. His role will be crucial in capitalizing on the platform set by the top order and pushing the team’s total beyond reach.

6. Patrick Kruger – All-rounder
Strength: Patrick Kruger is a versatile all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball. His ability to bowl medium pace adds depth to the bowling attack, while his batting provides stability and aggression in the lower order. Kruger is also a good fielder, adding value in the fielding department.
Role: As an all-rounder, Kruger will be expected to provide balance to the team. With the bat, he can a?nchor the innings or play aggressively, depending on the situation. His bowling will be used to break partnerships and provide crucial overs in the middle stages of the innings.

7. Wiaan Mulder – All-rounder
Strength: Wiaan Mulder is a hard-hitting all-rounder who can also bowl fast-medium deliveries. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format. Mulder is also an excellent fielder, capable of saving runs and taking sharp catches.
Role: Mulder’s role will be to provide late-order hitting and to chip in with vital overs, particularly during the middle and death overs. His ability to bowl tight lines and variations will be crucial in containing runs and taking wickets.

8. Bjorn Fortuin – Left-arm Spinner
Strength: Bjorn Fortuin is a skillful left-arm spinner who can control the flow of runs and take wickets in the middle overs. His accuracy and variations make him difficult to score off, particularly on slower pitches. Fortuin’s ability to bowl in the powerplay is an added advantage.
Role: Fortuin’s main role will be to provide control in the middle overs, strangling the opposition’s scoring rate and taking crucial wickets. He may also be called upon to bowl in the powerplay if the situation demands.

9. Lungi Ngidi – Fast Bowler
Strength: Lungi Ngidi is a genuine wicket-taker with his ability to generate pace and bounce. His skills with the new ball and in the death overs make him a key component of South Africa’s bowling attack. Ngidi’s experience in international cricket adds to his value as a strike bowler.
Role: Ngidi will lead?? the pace attack, with the responsibility of taking early wickets and bowling crucial overs at the death. His role will be to unsettle the West Indian batters with his pace and variations, particularly?? his slower balls and yorkers.

10. Lizaad Williams – Fast Bowler
Strength: Lizaad Williams is a consistent performer with the ball, known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball. He can bowl in different phases of the game, making him a versatile bowler. Williams’ ability to bowl economical spells puts pressure on the opposition.
Role: Wi?ll?iams will support Ngidi in the pace attack, focusing on maintaining pressure with tight lines and lengths. He will be used in both the powerplay and middle overs to keep the run rate in check and pick up crucial wickets.

11. Ottniel Baartman/Nandre Burger – Fast Bowler
Strength: Both Ottniel Baartman and Nandre Burger bring different qualities to the table. Baartman is known for his ability to bowl disciplined lines, while Burger offers raw pace. Both are capable of taking wickets and containing runs, depending on the match situation.
Role: The final sp??ot in the XI will be determined based on the conditions and opposition. Baartman will be used for his control?? and consistency, while Burger will be brought in for his pace and ability to rattle the batters. Their role will be to complement the bowling attack and provide breakthroughs when needed.

Also READ: ECB announces s??ummer 2025 schedule: India, South Africa and West In?dies to tour England

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In an exciting match held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, South Africa edged past the Netherlands by four wickets in Match 16 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The South African team, having wo?n the toss, opted to bowl first and restricted the Neth??erlands to a modest total of 103/9 in their 20 overs.

Ottniel Baartman sizzles with the ball

The Netherlands’ innings saw a mixed performance with Sybrand Engelbrecht leading the charge with a steady 40 runs off 45 balls, including two fours and one six. Logan van Beek contributed a valuable 23 runs off 22 balls, helping to push the total past the 100-mark. However, th?e rest of the batting lineup struggled against the disciplined South African bowling attack.

Ottniel Baartman was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for just 11 runs in his four-over spell. Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen also made significant contributions, ea??ch taking two wickets and keeping the pressure on the Dutch batters.

David Miller takes South Africa home

In response, South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note, losing early wickets and finding themselves at a precarious 43/5 at one stage. However, it was David Miller who anchored the innings with a match-winning knock of 59 runs off 51 balls, including three fours and four sixes. Miller’s experience and composure under pressure were instrumental in guiding South Africa to victory. Tristan Stubbs supported him with a crucial 33 runs off 37 balls, ensuring the ??team stayed in the hunt despite the early setbacks.

Vivian Kingma and Van Beek were the pick of the bowlers for the Netherlands, each taking two wickets and applying considerable pressure on the South African batting lineup. Kingma’s economical spell of 4 overs for 12 runs and van Beek’s figures of 4 overs for 21 runs were commendable efforts in a tightly contested match. Ultimately, South Africa achieved the target in 18.5 overs, finishing at 106/6 and securing a hard-fought victory. Miller’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his crucial role in steering his team to a win.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2024 – Marco Jansen plucks a screamer to dismiss Max Odowd in NED vs SA game

Here is how Twitter reacted:

It’s not the easy wins that build ch??aracter, but rather the ones that challenge you, both individuall??y and as a team. Today’s win was one of those mental battles that will make the road ahead easier! Protea Fire💪

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 8, 2024

JOB DONE IN NYC. 🗽| #NEDvSA

David Miller leads us to victory.

That’s 2 wins in 2 matches. 🟢🟡#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ml7Ux8r7mG

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 8, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA DEFEATED NETHERLANDS…!!!!

– David Miller is the hero, they were 3 for 3 then Miller played one of the best knock in this World Cup, What a player. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XeuwSI3SJj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 8, 2024

THE WINNING ROAR OF DAVID MILLER. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/zAzUavyp76

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 8, 2024

The most underrated player in the history of cricket David Miller deserves more respect and hype. pic.twitter.com/Uy5LQyDCdV

— Kevin (@imkevin149) June 8, 2024

Player of the Match: David Miller #cricket #T20WorldCup #NEDvSA #DavidMiller #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/CCatdUREID

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 8, 2024

The happiness of David Miller's wife when Miller won the match for South Africa. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aiCYbTKLyi

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 8, 2024

David Miller has been one player from South Africa, who has stood tall in pressure situations.
2024 T20 WC- Walked in after 12/4, and he pulled off the chase against Netherlands, who have been SA's nemesis
2023 ODI WC- A ton in the semis against Australia, after Proteas were�?pic.twitter.com/TkRhMHGFwP

— Spandan Roy (@talksports45) June 8, 2024

David Miller saved South Africa 🔥#SAvsNED pic.twitter.com/NMWzaBK4H2

— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) June 8, 2024

David Miller surpassed AB de Villiers legacy for South Africa today pic.twitter.com/Pl2GMpj7gy

— romannnn (@rentboiy) June 8, 2024

Also READ: T2?0 World Cup 2024 �?All-rounder Harmeet S??ingh discloses USA’s gameplan against India

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In the ongoing SA20 season, players have showcased remarkable catches, but Aiden Markram took it a notch higher in the Qualifier 1 game between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Durban Super Giants at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday. His sensational one-handed catch to dismiss JJ Smuts left everyone? in awe, elevating the standard of catches wi?tnessed in the tournament.

Durban Super Giants’ powerplay woes in Qualifier 1

In pursuit of the 158-run target, the Super Giants faced an early setback as opener Tony de Zorzi (2) fell to a short and swift delivery by Marco Jensen. The focus then shifted to Quinton de Kock and Matthew Breetzke (3) to propel the DSG innings during the powerplay. However, Breetzke, renowned for his aggressive batting, couldn’t ignite fireworks this time and was dismissed in the fourth over.

Aiden Markram’s aerial marvel leads to JJ Smuts dismissal

The Super Giants suffered another setback as Smuts became the prey of Ottniel Baartman, dismissed through a phenomenal mid-air catch by Markram. Baartman delivered a short-length ball, and Smuts mistimed his shot towards mid-on, where Markram strategically positioned himself. In a swift move, Markram shifted to the left, leaped in the air, and secured a one-handed catch to dismiss Smuts. The entire crowd at the stadium was left in awe by the Sunrisers’ captain acrobatics on the field.

Here’s the video:

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 𝐛���𝐫𝐝, 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞.. 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 �??��𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧. 🦸‍♂�?a href="//twitter.com/hashtag/Betway?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#Betway #SA20 #Playoffs #SECvDSG #WelcomeToIncredible pic.twitter.com/WFz4dZJvPW

— Betway SA20 (@SA20_League) February 6, 2024

Also READ: SA20 20?24: West Indies cricketer faces armed robbery outside a hotel in Johann??esburg

Super Giants in shambles against Sunrisers Eastern Cape

This led to the Super Giants being reduced to 13/3 after 3.5 overs. A brief partnership between De Kock and Wiaan Mulder (38) followed, but it progressed too slowly, and the former’s painstaking knock of 20 runs in 23 balls concluded in the 11th over with just 57 runs on the board.

This left a challenging task for Heinrich Klaasen in the death overs. DSG eventually crumbled under pressure, managing only 106 runs before getting bundled out in the final over and losing the contest by 51 runs. Jansen and Baartman were the primary architects of their downfall, sharing eight wic??kets equally and propelling the Sunrisers into the final.

Sunrisers’ batting resilience

Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Sunrisers started slowly as their openers added just 45 runs in the powerplay. Nevertheless, Dawid Malan capitalized on his start, scoring 63 runs off 45 balls?, while skipper Markram contributed 30 runs. The rest of the batters got out fairly quickly, but they stil??l managed to post a fighting total of 157 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs.

Also READ: England’s great Geoffrey Bo?y??cott rips apart Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum for their ‘bazball�?approach after defeat against India in the 2nd Test

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