T20 World Cup: South Africa team profile

bet365 News Team Published: 08 Oct 22 20:57

South Africa have had some elite players over the years but have been lumbered with something of a choker's tag after failing to deliver on the world stage.

The likes of Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers have all played for the Proteas at World Cups, both 50-over and T20, but South Africa have yet to reach a final in either format, let alone win one.

Since being allowed to compete at international level once again, South Africa have featured in all eight of the 50-over World Cups since 1992, reaching the semi-finals on four occasions, while they have played in all seven T20 World Cups but reached the last four only twice.

The current crop is arguably lacking the standout stars of previous years but will be heading to Australia with far less expectation, and will be looking to thrive under the radar.

What	T20 World Cup 2022
Where	Australia
When	16th October - 13th November, 2022
How to watch	Sky Sports
Odds	Australia 11/4, India 10/3, England 7/2, Pakistan 15/2, New Zealand 8/1

What is South Africa's T20 World Cup record?

South Africa have played in all seven previous T20 World Cups and were in fact playing as hosts in the very first finals match to be played in 2007, recording a resounding eight-wicket win over West Indies when successfully chasing down 206.

The hosts also won their second group match to progress to the Super 8s but unfortunately missed out on the knockout stages due to an inferior run rate to New Zealand and India, with all three teams finishing on four points.

They did better in the second edition of the tournament in 2009 as they reached the semi-finals after winning their first five matches, only to suffer their first defeat in the semi-finals to Pakistan, who went on to lift the trophy.

South Africa finished bottom of their Super 8 group with no wins in both 2010 and 2012, before they matched their best showing with another semi-final berth in 2014, finishing second in their Super 10 group in an adjusted format, before they were beaten by India, who would go on to lose to Sri Lanka in the final.

The Proteas have failed to progress out of the Super 10 stage at the last two tournaments in 2016 and 2021, although they only narrowly missed out most recently as they finished level on points with England - who they beat in their final game - and Australia, but finished third due to an inferior net run rate and missed out on the knockouts.

Position	Year
Semi-finals	2009, 2014
Super 10s	2016, 2021
Super 8s	2007, 2010, 2012

Who is in South Africa's group?

South Africa have been drawn to face Asian powerhouses India and Pakistan in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage, with both opponents having won one T20 World Cup previously, while they may yet face previous winners Sri Lanka and West Indies - the only multiple winners of the competition - depending on how the first groups pan out.

The Group B winners and Group A runners-up will join South Africa in the Super 12 stage, with the former of those two providing the Proteas with their first opponents on 24th October in Hobart.

Three days later South Africa take on Bangladesh in their second match in Sydney, with India and Pakistan the next two opponents on 30th October and 3rd November respectively.

South Africa finish their Super 12 campaign against the Group A runners-up on 6th November in Adelaide.

Related Cricket News

T20 World Cup - Cricket: England team profile

T20 World Cup - Cricket: India team profile

T20 World Cup - Cricket: All you need to know

Who is South Africa's coach?

Mark Boucher will be leading the Proteas at the upcoming T20 World Cup in what will be his last action as the country's head coach, after announcing he was stepping down last month.

The former wicketkeeper-batter enjoyed a fantastic career in all three formats as a player for South Africa before a serious eye injury forced his retirement in 2012.

Despite no previous coaching experience, Boucher was appointed head coach of the Titans in 2016, leading them to five domestic titles, before he took the South African hotseat in 2019.

Star players

Captain	Temba Bavuma
Big-hitting batter	Quinton De Kock
Death bowler	Kagiso Rabada
Matchwinner	Quinton De Kock
Breakout star	Tristan Stubbs

Who is South Africa's captain?

Temba Bavuma broke new ground in South Africa when he became the first ever black African player to lead the national side on a permanent basis when he succeeded Quinton de Kock in 2021.

The 32-year-old has played only 28 matches in international T20 cricket, scoring one fifty in his aggregate of 565 runs at an average of 23.54.

Who is South Africa's potential matchwinner?

Despite this squad not appearing to be as strong as past editions, there are still a number of options that could turn the tide in the favour of the Proteas, with the bowling attack looking well stacked with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi.

However, it is the batting line-up that is arguably the weakness, particularly from a consistency viewpoint, and therefore the big-hitting talents of wicket-keeper Quinton De Kock at the top of the order could be the key factor in South Africa's progression in this tournament.

The left-hander is as guilty as anyone in his side's line-up for perhaps not doing his ability justice on the world stage, but there is no doubting his quality and a fast start from the powerful striker can tee things up in his side's favour.

De Kock has scored more than 2000 runs in T20 internationals at an average of 32.25, and although he had a disappointing summer in England, recent back-to-back half-centuries against the might of India suggest he may just be finding his best form at precisely the right time.

Who could be South Africa's breakout star?

South Africa have only two players under 27 in their squad but one of those appears to fit the bill for a breakout starring role, given the impact he has made this summer.

Tristan Stubbs is only 22 and has been given a chance this year, opening his T20 international career with with a blistering 72 on debut against England in Bristol, smashing eight sixes and two fours in what was a 28-ball innings.

Stubbs was unable to follow that up significantly against either England or India afterwards but the potential for stardom has been shown.

The young South African played his part in helping the Manchester Originals win this season's The Hundred and, having shown his penchant for massive sixes, he could set the upcoming tournament alight if he finds a little more consistency out in the middle.

How far can South Africa go at the T20 World Cup 2022?

South Africa perhaps became a serious "dark horse" by beating England in England this summer, having tied a series with India just before, while they were only beaten 2-1 by India at the start of this month.

There is no doubt that the Proteas could be dangerous if they are at the top of their game but that has not been the case in every tournament that has gone before.

In that recent series against India, South Africa were restricted to 106-8 in the first match before passing 200 twice and it is that inconsistency which has so often infuriated supporters in the past.

The absence of Rassie van der Dussen is a blow and unless others find a consistent run of form that has so far been lacking, they will do well to get out of the Super 12 stage.

However, Pakistan have similar inconsistencies in their middle order so it is not beyond Bavuma's men to reach the knockout stages, although a first final appearance looks a bridge too far, given England, Australia or New Zealand will be waiting in the semi-finals should they make it.