SA selectors in a spin as Super Eights loom

The Proteas may have remained unbeaten during the group stage of the T20 World Cup, but batting performance is a growing concern, while tough talks await regarding the composition of the bowling unit for the Super Eights phase. 

Aiden Markram’s side will play the first match in the next portion of the tournament against surprise qualifiers the US in Antigua on Wednesday, with the South African captain admitting his batters need to apply the lessons they’d learnt from four tricky group matches. 

South Africa faced vastly contrasting conditions in their final match against Nepal yesterday from what they’d experienced in New York, where the seam bowlers held the upper hand. 

While the problems for the batters was understandable in those first three matches, the narrow victory over minnows Nepal highlighted how the Proteas’ confidence might have been damaged more than they have cared to mention publicly. 

Markram, who is one of those struggling to make runs, described a lack of “intensity and conviction”, in the batters’ approach — which is deeply concerning ahead of the most crucial matches in the tournament. “I’m hoping we can put a more complete game of cricket together now that we are in the business end of the competition,” he said. 

Although conditions were far from idyllic for batting at the Arnos Vale Stadium in St Vincent, a total of 115/7 was nowhere close to what a side packed with South Africa’s batting talent and experience should expect from themselves. 

The much-vaunted middle order, which should be plundering runs in the second half of the innings, has thus far conducted salvage missions — with David Miller twice saving the Proteas’ skin in New York, Heinrich Klaasen doing so once, and yesterday it was Tristan Stubbs’ turn, with an 18-ball unbeaten 27. 

There will be some solace in the fact that Reeza Hendricks made runs, and spent time at the crease, but it was largely frustrating for him. Quinton de Kock is more of a worry, with just 48 runs from four innings, and so is Markram, who’s scored just 31 runs.

But Markram’s composure and decision-making during the tight finishes in the last two matches — in addition to his fielding — make him impossible to omit. De Kock will continue to have the backing of the selectors, but another failure against the US will lead to some awkward discussions. 

The talks around bowling will be difficult too. Tabraiz Shamsi took four wickets in yesterday’s triumph, and with Markram admitting that conditions during the Super Eights may continue to assist spin, having both Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj in the starting team is imperative. 

None of South Africa’s fast bowlers deserved to be axed, but having picked three front-line spinners in the squad, the selectors long ago recognised the importance of spin, and were thus aware that they would have to make tough decisions. 

Although it would usually be easiest to bench the “rookie”, in this case Ottniel Baartman, his “death” bowling in the last two matches — conceding seven against Bangladesh and defending eight yesterday — make leaving him out unlikely. 

With the batting a worry, Marco Jansen has to remain too, meaning the choice comes down to Kagiso Rabada, who — while not at his best in this tournament — has taken timely wickets, and Anrich Nortjé, who is the leading wicket-taker for South Africa.

Besides the US, which has produced some inspired performances — notably against Pakistan — the Proteas will also face the other host nation, the West Indies, in the Super Eights phase. The third team in that group was decided late last night, with England and Scotland battling it out for that spot.

In the other group, Australia, India and Afghanistan should be joined by Bangladesh, who face Nepal at 1.30am (SA time) on Monday.