Rating South Africa Squad for T20 World Cup: Can this 8.5/10 team shrug off ‘chokers’ tag?

Always the bridesmaid but never the bride – that has perennially been the case with South Africa. Having played all eight editions, the Rainbow Nation has qualified for semis only twice. They have always possessed a squad full of high-quality players, but also have a history of squashing chances at crucial junctures. Another mega tournament and South Africa have another great opportunity to woo away their tag of ‘chokers’.

South Africa Team Rating (8.5/10)

The South African squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 brings an interesting mix of experience and youthful exuberance. Led by captain Aiden Markram, the batting line-up boasts a strong core. Quinton de Kock’s explosiveness at the top is well-known, while David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen’s power-hitting in the middle order is a proven asset.

The bowling attack features the fiery pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and a fit-again Anrich Nortje. Their express pace will be crucial for early breakthroughs. While the spin attack features the guile of Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj might be handful on the pitches in USA and West Indies. The inclusion of seamer Ottniel Baartman offers an interesting option, with his potential to surprise opposition batsmen.

One potential concern for South Africa is their recent form in T20 cricket. While they possess a wealth of talent, they haven’t necessarily translated it into consistent match-winning performances. However, the Proteas have a well-balanced squad on paper, with batting depth, a potent pace attack, and a variety of spin options. If they can find their rhythm and play to their potential, they are a team to be reckoned with in the T20 World Cup 2024.

Player Ratings for South Africa team at T20 WC

South Africa batters for T20 World Cup 2024

Aiden Markram (Captain) – (8/10)

• A solid top-order batter, Markram will look to walk the talk.
• Is a World No. 5 ranked batsman, with 1118 runs to his name.
• Markram can throw his arm and would be quite useful on sluggish tracks.

Quinton de Kock (WK) – (8/10)

• Explosive opener with a proven track record and is one of the all-time white-ball legends for South Africa.
• Had a wondrous ODI World Cup 2023 and this might his last dance in T20 World Cups.
• Wicketkeeping adds further value.

Reeza Hendricks – (7.5/10)

• Reeza has been South Africa’s highest run-getter in T20Is since last 3 years.
• Strike rate can be an issue at times.

Heinrich Klaasen -(9.5/10)

• Inarguably the best batter for South Africa, Klaasen has the ability to turn the game on its head in a matter of few overs.
• Klaasen has scored 2,279 runs at an improbable strike rate of 178 in last three years.
• This year, the swashbuckling keeper has operated at a strike rate of 187.07.

David Miller – (8.5/10)

• With almost 500 T20 games, he is one of the most capped South African player.
• Powerhouse hitter known for finishing games, Miller could be a threat for oppositions.
• Since 2020, southpaw has scored almost 3,500 runs. He has improved his spin game massively in last few years.

Ryan Rickelton – (7/10)

• Exciting young talent with a good domestic record.
• Rickelton had an outstanding SA20 2024, where he racked up 530 runs at a strike rate of 173.7.
• Needs to prove himself at the international level but is a long-term replacement for De Kock,

Tristan Stubbs – (9/10)

• Another highly-rated youngster with aggressive batting style.
• IPL 2024 was magnificent for Stubbs, hammering 378 runs at an average and SR of 54.00 & 190.9, respectively!
• Stubbs, Klaasen, Miller – A deadly combo for SA

South Africa bowlers for T20 World Cup 2024

Kagiso Rabada – (9/10)

• Undoubtedly a world-class fast bowler with express pace and wicket-taking ability.
• Has played over 200 T20s and would spearhead the Protea bowling attack.
• Although batters negate him cautiously, Rabada’s economy has been brilliant.
• Needs to manage his workload.

Anrich Nortje – (6/10)

• Quick bowler with the ability to take early wickets.
• Fitness will be under scanner after injury concerns.
• Had a horrible IPL 2024, leaking runs at a dismal rate of 13.36.
• Nortje could create impact on sluggish tracks.

Marco Jansen – (7.5/10)

• A promising left-arm seamer with swing bowling capabilities.
• Has a sharp inswinger, but needs to develop his variations.
• Could be more than a handy finisher.

Ottniel Baartman – (8/10)

• Unproven talent with potential to surprise. Baartman is a death over specialist!
• Had a breakout SA20 2024 season, taking 18 wickets at a ridiculous economy rate of 6.9.
• Needs to adapt to the international stage, handling pressure would be key

Bjorn Fortuin – (6.5/10)

• Left-arm orthodox spinner with good control. Needs to make an impact against top opposition.
• Despite playing more than 150 T20s, Fortuin has a career economy rate of around 6.5.

Keshav Maharaj – (8.5/10)

• Experienced spinner with a variety of deliveries.
• Is one of the toughest spinners to face on turning tracks.
• Has played less T20 internationals but has an experience of leading South African team.

Tabraiz Shamsi – (8/10)

• A former World No.1 Ranked T20I bowler, leading wrist-spinner with excellent deception but needs to control his economy rate.
• South Africa’s leading T20I wicket-taker of all-time, taking 78 wickets at a miserly economy rate of 7.38