Australia vs South Africa LIVE: Top 5 players to watch out for – Australia will kick off the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup 2021 when they take on South Africa in what promises to be an exhilarating contest in Abu Dhabi. The two teams come into the clash on the back of contrasting results in the warm-up games but will pull their socks up as the main action begins this weekend. Both Australia and South Africa boast of some superstar names in their 15-man squads for the tournament, and here we look at 5 stars who we should watch out for during the Australia vs South Africa clash.
Australia vs South Africa LIVE: Top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup opener
Marcus Stoinis
Australia have been sweating over the fitness of Marcus Stoinis, who has been battling a hamstring injury in the build-up to the T20 World Cup. In the warm-up game against India, Stoinis showed his qualities with the bat scoring a quick-fire 41 to take Australia past the 150-run mark, while also bowled a couple of overs, showcasing sigs of returning to full fitness. The 32-year-old has a good record in the UAE playing with the Delhi Capitals, and Australia deploy him a similar role in T20Is, so one could expect fireworks from the hard-hitting all-rounder.
Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen broke into the South African national team in 2019 and hasn’t looked back since, becoming one of the few consistent run-getters in the side. The 32-year-old looked in ominous touch during the warm-up fixtures, scoring a scintillating century against Pakistan to guide his team to victory in an unlikely situation. The Proteas would hope that Rassie van der Dussen can continue his fine knick and put in a performance of the highest order against the Australians.
Australia vs South Africa LIVE: Top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup opener
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is Australia’s in-form batsman heading into the T20 World Cup, and the all-rounder should continue to impress for Aaron Finch and Co. to have any hope of lifting the T20 World Cup title. Glenn Maxwell had a stellar IPL before heading to join up with the Australian squad, scoring over 500 runs for RCB while also chipping in handily with the ball.
Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje has been a real find for the Proteas and the fast bowler has formed a potent pairing with Kagiso Rabada. The 27-year-old bowls express pace and his sheer ability to hit the right length in every phase of the innings makes him an invaluable asset for South Africa. Nortje had missed the initial phase of the IPL but featured for the Delhi Capitals in Phase 2, achieving great success as they reached the playoffs.
Mitchell Starc
There’s something about Mitchell Starc and ICC tournaments, and Australia would hope that the left-arm pacer can rekindle his best form in the tournament. Starc featured in both of Australia’s tours of West Indies and Bangladesh with mixed success, but with the return of fellow pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, he would expect to put in a much better performance.
AUS vs SA LIVE: Top 5 players to watch out for in T20 World Cup opener
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