Ahmedabad, February 25 The West Indies' powerful batting will face a tough test from South Africa when the two unbeaten teams clash in a Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup here on Thursday, aiming to secure a semifinal spot.
South Africa come into the match after a commanding 76-run win over home favourites India in Ahmedabad, while the West Indies defeated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in their previous outing in Mumbai, showcasing their batting prowess.
The West Indies' lineup, packed with powerful hitters, has shown the ability to take control of the game quickly.
However, they will now face a well-balanced South African bowling attack that dismantled India here on Sunday.
The bowling unit, comprising Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi, has consistently outwitted the best batters in the tournament.
South Africa's batting has also been reliable. David Miller remains a crucial player for the Proteas, and he demonstrated this with a match-winning performance against India after setbacks in the powerplay.
Key matchups
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The match promises intriguing individual battles. Hetmyer's aggressive strokeplay against Rabada's pace and bounce could set the tone, while Powell's ability to dominate spin will be tested by Maharaj's accuracy and variations in pace.
Miller's experience against left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein and Jansen's bounce against Brandon King at the top are other matchups that could influence the outcome of the match.
Afternoon factor
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Unlike previous night games in Ahmedabad, an afternoon contest could present a different dynamic. The absence of dew is likely to make conditions even across both innings, reducing the advantage of winning the toss.
The surface may also be slightly drier, bringing spinners into play earlier, while the heat could test the fitness and intensity of the fielders. Batters may also have to work harder for timing if the pitch slows down as the game progresses.
Settled Proteas in Ahmedabad
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Having played most of their matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa are well-settled in Ahmedabad. The Proteas have adapted well to the surface, which has offered early bounce and some grip for spinners under lights. Their understanding of the conditions could be significant in a pressure game.
Implications for India
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A West Indies victory could complicate matters for hosts India. It would put the Caribbean side on the brink of a semifinal spot and leave South Africa to face Zimbabwe in their final Super 8 fixture.
India, in that scenario, would need to beat both West Indies and Zimbabwe and that too by substantial margins to stay alive in the race, making this clash crucial in shaping the group dynamics.
Squads:
West Indies: Shai Hope (c), Johnson Charles, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickleton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde, and Jason Smith.
Match Starts at 3:00pm.
