The State of Play
The first Super Eight game of the 2024 T20 World Cup is upon us and there could be fireworks when the USA take on South Africa.
The co-hosts have been great value so far and have proved all the doubters who thought they were lucky to even be involved wrong.
Read our other sports news stories:
Murray to play for GB at the Paris Olympics
Scotland v Switzerland: Betting preview
Germany v Hungary: Betting preview
Their five points from eight available was enough to see them through Group A alongside India, despite having the second-worst net run rate of the five teams competing.
Pakistan will feel hard done by considering the USA saw their game rained off against Ireland but they did still lose to them in a Super Over early on in the tournament.
Add a competitive match against India to the mix and they are worthy paritcipants in the Super 8s.
Aaron Jones, Andries Gous and Monank Patel are three batters to watch out for when they face South Africa.
18+ Gambling Can Be Addictive. Please Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware GamStop Gambling Commission
They all stood out in the groups and captain Steven Taylor will need to ensure he gets the best out of his team-mates if they are to mark their course for the semi-finals.
Vice captain Jones will also play a key role and he spoke of his excitement to be playing in the business end of the tournament earlier in the week.
He said: “Definitely looking forward to the challenge (of Super Eight) for sure.
“Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve shown that obviously we could definitely compete and beat some of the full member nations.”
The USA will not have the advantage of playing in the States for this clash, instead they will travel to Antigua.
South Africa have a 100% record so far but did look a bit shaky against Bangladesh and Nepal.
West Indies star Nicholas Pooran and USA’s Aaron Jones lead the way for most sixes heading into the Super Eight stage of #T20WorldCup 🔥
More ➡ https://t.co/xURjJnCrVM pic.twitter.com/kcxx7EkvC9
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 18, 2024
But dominant wins over Sri Lanka and the Netherlands prove they are contenders to win the World Cup this summer.
The Proteas have a reputation for collapsing on the big stage and they will need to lean on their bowling if they are to progress into the semi-finals.
Tebraiz Shamsi has been the standout performer for South Africa but he will need some help from the out-of-form batsmen as well.
David Miller has only hit one fifty in four matches, which is going to need to improve as the tournament goes on, while Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kick have also been struggling infront of the stumps.
Expected line-ups
USA: Steven Taylor (c), Jaskaran Malhotra, Monank Patel (wk), Aaron Jones, Nisarg Patel, Saurabh Netravalkar, Cameron Stevenson, Rusty Theron, Ali Khan, Karima Gore, Gajanand Singh
South Africa: David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman
The initial group stage is over as eight teams head to the Super Eights of the #T20WorldCup 💥
All the details of the next phase of the tournament ⬇️https://t.co/AK8YdS66La
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 18, 2024
How to watch
Sky have the rights to show the T20 World Cup to UK viewers in 2024 and will broadcast every game live. Coverage gets underway on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket from 3pm UK time on Wednesday afternoon.
In India, the games can be streamed on Disney + Hotstar app and website. They are also available across the Star Sports Network.
Prediction
The USA have provided superb entertainment in the World Cup so far, but this is a completely different kettle of fish.
They struggled against India and showed perhaps when they face a very good side, they just do not have enough to compete.
South Africa have not been at their best this summer, but as we hit the business end of the tournament, they will want to ensure they progress to the knockout stages.
We are going for the Proteas to win this clash.
