The Proteas enter with considerable confidence, having won all their Group D matches, albeit with the final few games proving uncomfortably tight. They would be mindful of their batting challenges and would be determined to begin assertively and positively, whether batting first or second. Considering the other competitors as England and the West Indies, the South Africans would find it imperative to start their knockout campaign with a win on the board.
It's been a remarkable journey for the USA thus far, surprising everyone in a group (Group A) where India and Pakistan were widely expected to go through. Their stunning Super Over triumph against the 2009 champions showcased their formidable capabilities and thrust them into the global spotlight. They would've been eagerly anticipating their clash against Ireland in the final group-stage match, but unfortunately, it was washed out without a single ball being bowled.
This venue has proven to be a significantly better batting track compared to many others, which have tended to favor bowlers. Four matches have been played here, including both rain-curtailed and uninterrupted games, with an average scoring rate of 8.17 runs per over. Spinners have a substantial opportunity to make an impact, thanks to the frequent cross-winds blowing across.
Probable Best Batter: Heinrich Klaasen
It would be unwise to be misled by the wicketkeeper-batter's 72 runs in the four group-stage games. Considering his explosive performances in IPL 2024 and the relatively favorable batting conditions in North Sound as compared to the venues South Africa played during the group stages, Klaasen could be anticipated to aggressively target the spirited yet inexperienced bowling lineup of the USA.
Probable Best Bowler: Anrich Nortje
After a disappointing performance against the West Indies in the T20I series preceding the 20-over World Cup, the speedster has made an exceptional comeback. Currently, the ongoing edition's second-leading wicket-taker, Nortje has been consistently accurate and has reaped the rewards. He would be eager to maintain his form and deliver a strong spectacle with the ball again.
To say that the USA have been the Cindrella story of this year's T20 World Cup would be an understatement. The hopes of them making out of group that contained heavyweights and contenders India and Pakistan were very small, so much so that the A2 seeding was given a perfect time slot according to the Indian and Pakistani viewers. However, the USA shocked and surprised everyone when they beat Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over contest.
While everyone would love another upset from the USA, South Africa could prove to be too much for them, especially if the batting conditions are better. However, expect this to be a close contest with the Proteas just edging past USA in the end.
Hello everybody, and welcome aboard for Round 2 of the T20 World Cup or what's been called... the Business End.
There are 12 matches to be played, to decide which four of our remaining eight teams will make it to the semi-finals and who will lift the trophy. But already, there have been big some winners and we have to start with the co-hosts, USA. If anyone had said 18 days ago, when this event started, that they would advance from the group stage, we might all have had a little giggle but here. they. are. Dancing with the big dogs, as they say. They've already automatically qualified for the 2026 tournament too.
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