The best have been strained and now is when those who have proven themselves get to put up a show. The USA have been the true underdog in the group stage. They have toppled teams, made history, and broken records – all this while on their leave from office. This may seem like they have made it to the next stage effortlessly, like doing a summer job. But in reality, it has taken them hard work and many years of it. Hard work is what will be required of them for the next stage too. Because what they are coming to face in the Super Eights would be loads different than before. It will be an alien land, against the teams who are already on their winning streaks and players who have more experience in cricket than them. It is where the serious stuff begins for them and the next couple of weeks will define how this fairytale debut ends.
South Africa made it out of the group stage without tasting defeat. Although they escaped defeats with closer margins as the tournament progressed, they still have four Ws next to their name which is what steered them unscathed to the Super eights stage. But staying unbeatable is nothing new for them, its the endings that have always stung the proteas. Their real challenge starts now where the team must ensure the little flaws that did not hurt them in the previous matches, get addressed aptly before they transform into their biggest nightmares.
Team Overview:
Batters, bowlers, coders, ex-pats – the USA team has everything. Although the conditions now would be better than they were at their home grounds, the team needs to adapt to them before it’s too late. All in all, they have a cruising team who has sky-touching morales after what they did in the previous stage. Batters more than bowlers would want to be a little more careful and not crumble under the pressure of the big stage. If they continue their group stage aura, the bowlers will be set to sweat the opposition hard.
South Africa’s batting lineup has not really fired up so far. Most of the batters have even failed to strike at more than a run-a-ball rate, which is a shame for a team like them which teems with explosive batters. With newer batting-friendly surfaces awaiting them, this run-drought should end. Were this to happen, their path to the semi-finals would not be difficult.
Head-to-head matches:
This would be the first time both teams will face each other. Naturally, both teams will be wary of each other as well as the new conditions but the Caribbean has never failed to provide entertainment in T20 matches.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Rain is very likely to stay away during the game but teh clouds will keep the sky covered. Humidity will linger around and that’s good news for fast bowlers. Moreover, the pitch offers true bounce and pace which will help the batters in timing the shots. The captain winning the toss should prefer to chase.
Prediction:
This is going to be a tough game. South Africa have their flaws to work on. The USA come from a defeat and an abandoned game, without much game practice. However, the South African team has more experience playing the shortest format in teh country, which will give them an edge over the co-hosts. If all goes according to routine (which usually does not in this format), the Aidan Markaram-led team could find themselves two points by the time the game ends.
Where to Watch:
- India – Star Sports
- Pakistan – PTV Sports, Ten Sports, Myco (Live streaming) and Tamasha app (Live streaming)
- USA and Canada – Willow TV
- England – Sky Sports Network
- Caribbean – ESPN Caribbean
- New Zealand & Australia – Sky Sports NZ, Prime Video
- Other regions – SuperSport, Sirasa, CricLife, STARZPLAY
