Aaron Finch will be eager to restrict South Africa to a modest total, which should not be a major concern considering the impressive bowling attack that Australia enjoys.
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Australia skipper Aaron Finch has won the toss and opted to field in the opening match of the Super 12 stage of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. Finch’s men take on South Africa who are led by Temba Bavuma. Australia have opted to sideline Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Josh Inglis and Mitch Swepson for their opening encounter of the prestigious tournament. South Africa are fielding a similar side to the one which pulled off a stunning triumph in a practice encounter against Pakistan.
Finch stated that his desire to field after winning the toss was influenced by how good the wicket was.
“We would like to bowl first. Looks like a good wicket, can’t see things changing a lot during the course of the game. We have a lot of experience in the side, we haven’t played as a group, but we’re looking forward to this tournament. Tough selection choices, but Ashton Agar, Kane Richardson, Josh Inglis and Mitch Swepson miss out,” he stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Bavuma stated that leading South Africa in the tournament was nothing short of a privilege.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the team in the tournament, big responsibility and looking forward to it. Two spinners, KG, Nortje, an all-rounder and an extra batsman in Klassen at 6. Our preparations have been good, have played a lot together We are coming off with some real momentum, not worried about any favourites tag, but we have to stay true to expectations – we have confidence in our team and we’ll look to do well,” he said.
South Africa’s big trump card in UAE could be spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, the current No. 1 T20 bowler. He is just four wickets away from taking the most T20I wickets in a single calendar year having claimed 28 so far in 2021. Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen who scored a century against Pakistan in the practice match is in sublime form.
Pace bowler Kagiso Rabada is one of the most lethal bowlers out there in the international circuit. His combination along with Anrich Nortje would be too hot for even the best to handle. Both of them led Delhi Capitals’ pace attack during the 2021 IPL and helped them to a top of the table finish during the league stage.
Sunil Gavaskar and Danny Morrison stated that there will be assistance for spinners, in their pitch report.
‘It’s a very good pitch, the grass looks even and it suggests that the new-ball bowlers will get some help, even the spinners should enjoy this surface. It’s very warm in Abu Dhabi – short square boundaries (64 and 65m) and that should be great news for players like Glenn Maxwell, who can play those 360 degree shots,” they reckoned.
Lineups:
South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Australia (Playing XI): Aaron Finch(c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(w), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
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