This guide is designed to be your second screen while watching the Proteas at the T20 World Cup. It’s not meant to replace the broadcast – it’s there to add context, insight, and clarity while the game is unfolding.

Whether you’re watching at home, at a braai, or sneaking glances on your phone, this companion helps you understand why things are happening, not just what’s happening. From player roles to conditions, tactics, and opposition threats, it’s built to make every Proteas match more engaging.

Use the guide to get set before the first ball is bowled:

This gives you context before the toss even happens.

Keep the guide open as a quick-reference companion:

This gives you context before the toss even happens.

This section isn’t about scores or statistics.
It’s a guide to help you make sense of what you’ve just watched, regardless of the result.

After each Proteas match, use this guide to reflect on the bigger picture:

T20 cricket is decided by fine margins. This section helps you step back from the emotion of the moment and understand why the game unfolded the way it did – win or lose.

There are 20 teams in the 2026 T20 World Cup. They are divided into 4 pools, which comprise the following teams:

The Group Stage of the tournament takes place from the 7th February to the 20th February.

In this phase of the tournament, each team plays every other team in their group once. At the end of the group phase, the top two teams from each group advance to the Super Eights.

The Super Eights take place between the 21st February and the 1st March. The Super Eight draw has been predetermined based on the teams' tournament rankings.

These groups are as follows:

Group 1: India, Australia, West Indies and South Africa

Group 2: England, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

If one or more of the teams above do not make it through to the Super Eights, the team that qualified from their group will take their place.

For example, if Afghanistan and South Africa qualify for the Super Eights out of Group D, then New Zealand’s spot in Group 2 of the Super Eights will be taken by Afghanistan.

Every team in the Super Eights will play the other teams in their group. The top two teams from both groups at the end of the Super Eights go through to the semi-final, where the top team in Group 1 plays the second team in Group 2 and vice versa.

The first semi-final takes place on Wednesday, March 4th, and the second semi-final takes place on Thursday 5th March at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The final is scheduled for Sunday, 8th March.

All the Finals are night matches, and the venues for the first semi-final and the final can only be determined once it is known whether Pakistan qualify for either or both of those matches, as matches involving Pakistan will not take place in India.

The final is designated to be at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, if Pakistan are not in the final.

In the group stages and the Super Eights, every team will be awarded 2 points for a win. If a game is tied, it will go to a Super Over to determine the winner. A match that cannot be finished (even using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method), will mean each team will be awarded one point.

Teams will advance to the next phase based on points scored. If points are equal, then the team with the most number of wins goes through; if the wins are equal, then the team with the best Net Run Rate (NRR) goes through. There are no bonus points in the T20 World Cup.

There are two powerplays in T20 cricket, which determine how many players are allowed to field outside of the 30-yard circle (measured from the base of the middle stump on both ends of the wicket, with parallel lines joining the circles at their greatest radius).

For overs 1 to 6, there are only 2 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. From over 7 to 20, there are 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. The purpose of the initial powerplay is to encourage free-scoring at the beginning of the innings. This does, though, come with risk if you try to hit the ball over the fielders in the 30-yard circle.

The toss takes place half an hour before the start of play and the team that wins the toss decides whether they are going to bat or bowl first in the match. This decision is based on a number of factors:

Where there are rain-affected games, teams will bat and bowl a reduced number of overs. The minimum number of overs per team (or for one team to bat, should the other team have completed their innings) in a T20 match is 5 overs. For knockout games, this is 10 overs in the T20 World Cup.

The statistical methods used by DLS are updated regularly and take into consideration as many scenarios as possible, in order to reach a fair revised target. This typically will take overs bowled, runs scored, and wickets lost in determining adjusted scores and fair targets.

MANAGEMENT

Shukri Conrad (Head Coach)

Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager)

Ashwell Prince (Batting Coach)
Piet Botha (Bowling Coach)

Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach)

Albie Morkel (Specialist Consultant)

Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst)

Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist)

Dr Salih Solomon (Team Doctor)

Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur)

Lucy Davey (Media Manager)

Brian Khonto (Security Officer)

AGE: 31

ROLE: Top Order Batter, Occasional Bowler
TYPE: RHB/ROB

South African T20 Captain Aiden Markram is a right-hand top-order batter and a useful Right-arm off-break bowler. His nickname is “Sauce”.

Aiden made his T20I debut aged 24 and is a key player at the top of the order. With shots all around the ground, he is able to dominate a bowling attack. A useful off-break bowler, he has been used in the Powerplay before and will be expected to bowl in the World Cup.

He is an all-format player for the Proteas, and as the SA u19 Captain, he led his team to World Cup success in 2014. He led South Africa to the T20 World Cup Final in 2024, where they narrowly lost to India. He was educated at Pretoria Boys High School.

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Aiden has played in 3 T20 World Cups for South Africa, with 3 fifties in 18 innings.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

He has played in the IPL every year from 2021 to 2025, representing the Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants respectively. In the SA20, he spent 3 seasons and won 2 championships at Sunrisers Eastern Cape before moving to Durban’s Super Giants in 2026.

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STRENGTHS

– Very good in the “V”

– Strong driver of the ball

– Picks up length early and can put away the short ball

– Plays proper cricket shots, generally very still at the crease

– Excellent temperament, determined

– Off-breaks can be useful, especially the quicker ball and where there is bounce on the wicket

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Vulnerable early to balls outside the off, moving away

– Can be a little slow in the powerplay, which puts himself and the team under pressure

– Frequently plays spin off the back foot, susceptible to dismissal on a low wicket

– Often makes a good 20 to 30, but doesn’t kick on

BEST USED WHEN

Opening the batting is the ideal position for the captain as he likes to lead from the front. Is a perfect foil for Quinton de Kock at the top of the order, as he allows Quinny the freedom to play his shots. He can bowl in the powerplay to left-handers, depending on the match situation.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Keep an eye open for sumptuous cover drives if the ball is pitched up, as well as lofted drives straight back over the bowler for four or six. The short-arm jab off the short ball is glorious. Quick running between the wickets and great fielding.

AGE: 33

ROLE: Top Order Batter, Wicketkeeper

TYPE: LHB/WK

Wicketkeeper/Batter Quinton is a left-handed opening batter and is the team’s designated first-choice wicketkeeper for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup. His nickname is “Quinny”.

Quinny is an outrageously gifted cricketer, and made his debut for South Africa in a T200 against New Zealand in 2012, just 4 days after his 20th birthday. He went on to play for a sustained period for South Africa in all formats, before retiring from Tests in 2021, ODIs in 2023 and was not considered for selection for T20Is until he reversed his ODI retirement decision in September 2025.

His ball-striking ability is legendary, and he picks up length and line exceptionally early. He is always a pleasure to watch and comes into the World Cup in excellent form. He attended King Edward VII School in Johannesburg.

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Quinton has played in 5 T20 World Cups for South Africa, equal-most with David Miller. He is currently second on the all-time run scoring list for SA in T20 World Cups, only behind AB de Villiers, who is expected to supersede at this year’s tournament.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

He has played 12 seasons in the IPL, representing 6 different franchises. His record is outstanding in the T20 format, and overall, he will have played just over 430 T20 matches when he arrives at the World Cup, amassing over 12,000 runs at a strike rate of just under 140 runs per 100 balls.

In the SA20, he has represented DSG (3 seasons) and SEC (1 season). He has played in the CPL, Major League Cricket, the Hundred and the BBL.

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STRENGTHS

– Exceptional eye-hand co-ordination

– Picks up length early

– Very strong on the leg side, particularly full deliveries on the pads

– Uses a strong base from which to play his shots

– Exceptional bat-speed and flexible wrists

– Looks to dominate in the Powerplay

– Extremely agile behind the stumps, excellent anticipation

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Vulnerable early to the moving ball, as foot movement can be lacking in the early part of the innings

– Can seemingly get bored if the batting is too easy, and has been known to gift his wicket in these circumstances

– Extreme pace, short of a length, may force him into playing cross-batted and being susceptible to edging

– Doesn’t like to be “dotted up”

BEST USED WHEN

Opening the batting is exactly the role to showcase Quinny’s skills. He can bat through an innings and sustain his strike-rate, as he is able to find gaps and also play the ball “over the top”.

If he stays in for the entire first powerplay (overs 1 to 6), then he will get his team off to a good start. He plays best when he is allowed to express himself.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Keep an eye open for innovation and some ridiculously good shots that either fly over the boundary or find gaps that seemingly don’t exist. Expect boundaries off virtually every over. With the wicketkeeping gloves on, watch out for his athleticism and anticipation behind the stumps.

AGE: 29

ROLE: Top Order Batter, Wicketkeeper

TYPE: LHB/WK

Ryan is the second left-handed top-order wicketkeeper/batter in the South African line-up. He received a late call-up to the squad after Tony de Zorzi withdrew due to injury. Ryan is normally an opener, but is expected to bat at three for the Proteas in the ICC T20 World Cup. He is normally called “Ricks”.

A highly talented sportsman, Ryan played multiple sports at his school in Johannesburg, St. Stithians College. He represented South Africa at u19 level, and has spent his entire representative career at the Central Gauteng Lions.

A stylish batter, who is strong all around the wicket, he made his Test debut at age 25 in 2022, before making his T20I debut 2 years later. He is strong straight down the ground and can be brutal to anything short and too straight.

His SA20 form in 2025’s title-winning season with MICT saw him get an IPL contract with MI, where he impressed. He is the all-time leading run-scorer in SA20 history.

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Ryan has not represented South Africa in a T20 World Cup, but that’s about to change.

LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Ryan has played one season in the IPL for the Mumbai Indians and one season in Major League Cricket for the Seattle Orcas. He has played all 4 seasons of the SA20 for MICT.

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STRENGTHS

– Very wristy player, with outstanding bat-speed through the ball

– Has a lot of time to play his shots, and his head is very still over the ball at point of contact

– Ruthless on anything close to the pads and straight

– Drives the ball in the “V” very well, and has a very good on-drive

– Excellent with the cut and pull shots

– Is outstanding at constructing an innings and batting long

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Has a tendency early in his innings to play hard at the ball without a lot of foot movement, making him susceptible to the length ball outside off stump moving away

– Sometimes struggles attempting the pull shot to a short-of-a-length ball in at the body

– When “dotted up” has the tendency (as do most batters) to try and make something happen, which means he deviates from his normal game plan

BEST USED WHEN

Ryan is used to opening the batting, a role that he has performed for South Africa in all formats and successfully for MICT and MI. He is excellent in the top order and can construct an innings exceptionally well. His position at 3 will be crucial for the Proteas, and expect him to take to his new role like a swan to water. (please no ducks…)

MATCHDAY WATCH

Watch out for the classic on-drive, with the weight all moving forward and the head still over the ball. It is a thing of beauty off Ricks’ bat. Also, keep an eye open for his cutting and pulling. His communication with his batting partner is also excellent, so look out for good, incisive running between the wickets.

The right-handed middle-order batter boasts a T20 career strike rate that is amongst the highest in the world. Dewald is expected to come in at number four for South Africa at the World Cup, but may be moved lower in the order if early wickets fall.

Dewald burst onto the scene at the ICC u19 World Cup in 2022, where he was leading run-scorer. This prompted the Mumbai Indians to give the 19 year-old a contract in 2022, in the same season he made his T20 debut for the Titans. He made his Proteas T20I debut in 2023, aged 21.

An explosive hitter of the ball, he strikes the ball incredibly cleanly, with a huge amount of power and timing, and finesse too. This earned him the moniker “Baby AB” as he came from the same school, Afrikaans Seuns Höerskool (Affies) as AB de Villiers, and their striking ability is uncannily similar. He holds the SA record for the highest score in a T20 International, 125* off just 58 balls against Australia in Darwin in 2025. His nickname on the field is “Brewie” (Bree-a-vee)

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Dewald is yet to play in a T20 World Cup. Watch this space, folks…

LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Dewald has played in the IPL for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. He has an excellent record in the SA20, where he scored a hundred for Pretoria Capitals in a losing cause in the 2026 final. He has also played in the CPL, Major League Cricket and the Vitality Blast.

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STRENGTHS

– Incredible bat-speed and power through the ball.

– Ability to adjust at the last moment to pull off the shot with his immense power and timing

– Picks length early

– Hits the ball under his eyes, normally very stable and deep in his crease

– Not scared to go over the top early in his innings

– Can be very innovative, and identifies scoring options very well

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Has been known to keep going for his shots, even though the delivery might not be there to be hit

– Doesn’t like getting dotted up and tries to get at least one boundary an over

– Used to be susceptible to the moving ball, but has worked hard on that part of his game

– If you can get him in early in the innings, you stand a better chance of getting his wicket

– When he starts to try unconventional shots, there is a stronger likelihood of him being out

BEST USED WHEN

Dewald is the ideal batter for the middle overs and at the death. His career strike rate is over 150 in T20Is and he is able to manufacture boundaries in almost any situation. This means that if he stays at the crease, then a healthy run-rate is a strong possibility. He can also bat through, which is a great asset.

MATCHDAY WATCH

You must not miss the trademark Brevis “No-Look” six, which is where he keeps his head down after he has hit the ball (normally a slog-sweep or a straight hit over long-on). It has his signature all over it. If you enjoy seeing the ball go a long, long way, then tune in to SA’s batting innings for some of the best hitting in world cricket. He is unlikely to bowl his leg-breaks at the World Cup, but keep watching to see if he may get a chance with his tweakers.

Experienced left-handed middle-order batter Miller is the most experienced player in the Proteas squad. Expected to bat at 5 or 6, depending on the situation, he is known in the cricketing world to be a great finisher.

Hailing from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Miller is amongst the best finishers in world cricket. Boasting a T20 CV that is longer than pretty much anyone’s arm, he is renowned for being the catalyst behind the phrase “if it’s in the arc it’s out the park!”

He made his Proteas T20 debut at age 20 in 2010 and is the most-capped player for them in this discipline. An outstanding white-ball middle-order batter, David is also a brilliant fielder. The Maritzburg College old-boy is a regular feature in T20 leagues around the world and has a massive following in India.

South African fans respond with “It’s Miller Time” when he comes out to bat. A senior member of the team, his T20 league captaincy experience will be very useful for Aiden Markram.

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David has played in 5 T20 World Cups for South Africa, equal-most with Quinton de Kock. He is currently fifth on the all-time list for SA batters in T20 World Cups.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

David has played in most of the major leagues in the world, including 14 seasons at the IPL, where he has played for 4 different teams. He has also been a part of the BBL, PSL, CPL, LPL, BPL, The Hundred, Major League Cricket and the SA20.

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STRENGTHS

– Sublime touch

– High bat-speed

– Power and timing are excellent

– Especially good off the front foot, drives inside-out over the covers

– Very good off his pads.

– Excellent player of spin, especially deep in the crease

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Not too happy with fast-paced, shorter deliveries, which can rush him at times

– Early in his innings, he can be slow to move his feet and plays at balls outside the off-stump

– Can target him wide outside off, as this is not a strong scoring area

– Can be susceptible to the turning ball, especially when playing back

BEST USED WHEN

David excels in his middle-order role, as he can get going from ball one of his innings. His clean striking is critical for South Africa in the final overs, and he is known as an excellent finisher.

Dependent on the situation, SA may opt to use him in a left-right combination, and so he may switch around with Tristan Stubbs and or Jason Smith in the lower middle-order

MATCHDAY WATCH

Be ready for the classic shot, which is where he clears his front foot and plays through the line of the ball, often to devastating effect. This will mainly be over the leg-side, but keep an eye open for the shot over extra cover too.

Jason is a right-handed middle-order batter and right arm medium pacer, although his role in the World Cup is likely to be that of either a number 4, 5 or 6 batter.

Blessed with a tremendous amount of natural talent, Jason was part of the successful SA u19 World Cup team that was captained by Aiden Markram. Teammates Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch were also in that squad.

It would take a move away from his native Cape Town for the Wynberg Boys High alumnus to make his breakthrough into the Proteas team. After consistent performances for the Dolphins and the development of his power game to exciting levels, Jason was rewarded with a call-up to the Proteas T20 side in the West Indies in 2024, aged 29.

Whilst still a newcomer at the international level, much is expected of the clean-striking Capetonian.

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Jason will be making his World Cup debut in India.

LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Jason has only played in the SA20, where he has played for both DSG and MICT, playing every game for the Cape team in 2026.

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STRENGTHS

– Good bat-speed

– Power game is very good, especially down the ground and the slog-sweep

– Has a delicate game too, can read the field well and find the gaps

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Tends to keep going for his shots, and doesn’t always read the game situation

– Can struggle against the spinning ball, as he tends to play back or stay rooted in his crease

– If he has been dotted up, he can look for something unconventional and high risk

BEST USED WHEN

Jason’s clean hitting will be a boost for the Proteas in the lower middle-order, and he may be seen as the ideal player to fulfil the role of a “floater”, as he can bat anywhere from 4 to 7.

He can bat at a 200 to 300 strike rate in the death overs.

MATCHDAY WATCH

If Jason gets going, then he is a joy to watch. Keep a beady eye on the way he clears the front leg and strikes through the ball.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s triumphant captain is a right-handed middle-order batter and right-arm off-break bowler. He was drafted into the World Cup squad after the unfortunate withdrawal of the injured Donovan Ferreira, for whom he is a like-for-like replacement. He is affectionately known as “Stubbo”.

A player who is a true all-rounder, Tristan is a brilliant ball-player. He can bat, bowl, keep wicket and is outstanding in the field. He made his T20 Proteas debut in the winning match against India in Delhi in 2022, aged just 21.

Enthusiasm is personified in Stubbo, who is the player celebrating every wicket as if it were his own. He is a fantastic team man and gives his all in every situation. A product of Grey High School in Gqeberha, he has remained faithful to the Warriors and SEC throughout his career.

He possesses great levers and can manipulate the ball around the ground. Innovation is there in bucketloads, and you can expect the unexpected from the well-liked Stubbo.

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Tristan has played in 2 T20 World Cups and has two 30s to his name. Often asked to come in lower in the order as a finisher, that may well be his role in this edition.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Tristan has played in 4 seasons of the IPL, and it is his versatility that makes him such a sought-after player. He has also played in the CPL, the Hundred and was the original R9.5m man in the first SA20 Auction, where he has played 4 seasons for SEC, winning the title 3 times.

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STRENGTHS

– Innovation, unpredictability

– Power game, with high bat-speed

– Wrist-speed, and has a lot of time to play his shots

– Plays shots all around the ground, can identify gaps

– Versatility as a player

– Excellent running between the wickets

– Speed across the ground as a fielder and catching ability

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Can push at the ball with hard hands when trying to be more defensive

– Has a tendency to get his head and then his hands outside the line of off-stump, meaning he loses awareness of his off-stump

– Innovation can be his downfall

BEST USED WHEN

Stubbo is brilliant in the death overs, where his innovation, awareness of gaps and running between the wickets are especially useful. He will be an excellent option for the Proteas at number 6, and provides the opportunity to back up Aiden Markram with some off-spin if required.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Stubbo will not disappoint with scoops, reverse sweeps and maybe even something no one has ever thought of before. Watch his speed and commitment in the field with awe, and please do not miss him celebrating every wicket.

The tall left-handed batting and spin bowling all-rounder is a key part of the Proteas T20 set-up, particularly in the sub-continent. He often bowls in the Powerplay and strikes the ball powerfully in the lower order. On the field, he is known as “Georgie”

George could be described as a late bloomer. A loyal Western Province player for many seasons, the man from Cape Town’s Northern suburbs developed his batting and bowling game at domestic level to such an extent that he could no longer be ignored for higher honours.

He made his Test debut in 2019, aged 27, and a year later, his T20 debut. It is in this format that he has excelled around the world.

George is a thinking bowler, resulting in him being economical with the ball and a wicket-taker. His long levers and clean hitting at the batting crease mean that he can fulfil a role anywhere from 6 to 8 in the order.

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George will be making his T20 World Cup debut in India.

LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

George has significant league experience around the world, playing in the CPL, BPL, PSL, Major League Cricket, Vitality Blast, the Hundred and the SA20. He plays a key all-round role in these tournaments and is an asset to the teams he plays for.

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STRENGTHS

BOWLING

– Bowls in the Powerplay, where he takes wickets and is economical

– Speed and flight variations are excellent

– Natural height gives him additional bounce

BATTING

– Long levers, can hit the ball powerfully straight down the ground

– Excellent slog-sweep

– Very effective against pace at the death

– Can bat aa t 200 to 300 strike rate

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

BOWLING

– Can become predictable, and then is easy to hit

– Doesn’t possess a highly effective arm-ball

BATTING

– Can take a few deliveries to get going, particularly against spin

– Has struggled on occasion to finish a match off when put in that position

BEST USED WHEN

George is excellent in the Bowling powerplay, and can deliver wickets, especially with the bounce with the hard new ball. His batting at the death is very useful, and having him come in at 6 or 7 does give the team another death batter.

MATCHDAY WATCH

George’s hitting down the ground and out of the park is a joy to behold, especially as he stands tall and delivers. Seeing him in action with the ball in the powerplay is interesting, as you get a view of his variation and how he thinks as a bowler.

“Plankie”, as Marco is affectionately known, gets his nickname from his nearly 7-foot-high, thin frame. This brilliant bowling all-rounder, with searing left-arm pace and bounce as an opening bowler and significant right-hand batting prowess, is a key part of the Proteas push for the T20 WC crown.

The lanky Jansen was brought up on the unforgiving wickets of the North West province, where his craft would be honed as a youngster. He played for SA u19 in India in 2019, having already played at representative T20 level for the Free State.

He made his Test debut aged 21 and his T20 debut aged 22.

He made his IPL debut aged just 20, and it was clear that he was destined for bigger things.

He generates significant pace, and his height makes him a handful for most batters. He does have variations of pace, but it is his consistency as a bowler that makes him so dangerous.

With the bat, he offers quick lower-order runs, and he has the ability to take the game away from the bowling team at the death, with his long levers able to hit the ball a long way.

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Marco will be playing in his second T20 World Cup.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Marco has played in 5 IPL seasons for 3 different teams, as well as playing in Major League Cricket and the SA20. He is a 3 time winner of the SA20 for SEC.

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STRENGTHS

BOWLING

– As an opening bowler, hits consistent lines and lengths

– Possesses steep bounce, particularly useful off just short of a length

– Can get the ball to move either way

– Has variation with the way he holds the ball on delivery

– Does have a slower ball that he uses infrequently

BATTING

– Very long levers, can hit the ball powerfully all around the ground

– Plays the leg-side pick up shot particularly well

– High strike rate, particularly against pace

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

BOWLING

– His lines and lengths can become predictable and easier to hit

– When hit off a length, he can strive for a little more and lose his shape

BATTING

– Not as effective against spin as he is against pace

– Will always offer you a chance early in his innings before he gets going

BEST USED WHEN

Marco is brilliant with the new hard ball and will more often than not get wickets in the powerplay. He is always good to bring back in the middle overs, to produce something different, as he offers the variation in the attack, along with Kwena Maphaka.

He is an excellent batter to have come in at number 7 or 8, and can give you quick runs, especially when setting a target.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Look out for the steep bounce from a length, and the ball angling across the right-hander that is very difficult to play, when it is on or about off-stump. When at the crease, there is nothing better than seeing the leg-side flick sailing way over the boundary off Plankie’s bat, which looks more like a toothpick when compared to his height!

Corbin is a whole-hearted right arm fast bowler and right-handed bowling all-rounder that has been a key member of Shukri Conrad’s squad across all formats in the recent past.

Another player that was part of the victorious SA u19 team in 2014, “Boschy” made his Proteas debut at age 30, firstly in an ODI, then a Test Match, and finally at T20 level against Zimbabwe in July 2025. He got there by sheer determination and hard work.

Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, Hilton College educated Corbin is the son of late Proteas fast bowler Tertius Bosch. He moved to the Titans after school and made his debut for them aged 20.

Seen as a tearaway bowler with limited control, that all changed, as Corbin developed that aspect of his game, particularly with playing in T20 leagues elsewhere in the world. The call-up came and he hasn't looked back from there. Good after the powerplay, and able to add valuable runs with the bat at a good rate, he is an excellent player to have in the squad.

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Corbin will be on the plane to a senior World Cup for the first time.

LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Corbin has played 1 season of IPL cricket in 2025 and 2 seasons of CPL cricket, apart from his SA20 experience.

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STRENGTHS

BOWLING

– As a bowler coming on after the powerplay, he offers control and pace

– He does have variations, which sometimes make him difficult to score off

– The key thing he offers is the ability to surprise the batter with the short of a length delivery at high pace

BATTING

– A compact player that understands his strengths

– Good square of the wicket

– Hits the ball hard and effectively

– Can play good, technically correct shots

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

BOWLING

– Can be erratic when he tries to go for express pace

– Needs to be careful when going for the shorter delivery, that it doesn’t sit up and make it easier to hit

BATTING

– Can struggle against spin, particularly when playing back

– Will always give the opposition a chance when given wide deliveries

BEST USED WHEN

Comes on after the powerplay as a bit of an “enforcer”, which helps to keep the run-rate in check and can give you wickets. He has a strike rate of a wicket every 13 balls, which is ideal for a bowler coming in first change. In the lower order can give the team valuable runs, and also has the maturity to keep his head while those around him may be losing theirs.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Watch out for the surprise short delivery, bowled at pace. Also, when he is at the crease the calmness and the way that he goes about his business.

Keshav will turn 36 just a couple of days before the tournament starts. He will be leading the attack as a left-arm orthodox finger spinner, and bats right-handed. He is a key player for the Proteas.

One of the world’s best, if not currently the best left arm finger spinner, Kesh has outstanding control. He made his T20 debut some six years after his Test debut, aged 31.

Keshav has established himself as South Africa’s spinning go-to man in all formats. His changes of pace and variation have improved with age, and he just gets better and better. He normally bowls after the powerplay, where his variation pens down batters and often gets him wickets.

His legend continues to grow, and this soft-spoken hero from Durban is expected to start every game for the Proteas in India and Sri Lanka.

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This will be Kesh’s fourth T20 World Cup, and the Proteas will be looking for more of the same from their premier tweaker.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Kesh has played in some of the world’s top leagues, mostly only for a season at a time. These include the IPL, CPL, BPL, Vitality Blast and the SA20, where he captained the Pretoria Capitals to the final in the 2026 edition.

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STRENGTHS

– Excellent variation of pace

– Flight variation

– Has the ball that goes on with the arm, well disguised

– Good revolutions on the ball

– Excellent pivot around his front foot

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Can become predictable

– Has the tendency to bowl the faster delivery shorter, which makes it easier to hit

BEST USED WHEN

Comes on after the powerplay to exercise control if the opposition has had a good powerplay, or to continue to tighten the screw if they haven’t. Is almost exclusively used in the middle overs, from over 7 to over 15.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Kesh is a master of disguise, so watch out for those changes of pace, flight and turn. The analysts on TV normally pick it up and show them, especially when they have brought a wicket or two.

KG, as he is affectionately known, will lead the pace-bowling line for the Proteas at the World Cup. He is a right-arm fast bowler and left-handed batter.

Widely regarded as one of the best ever South African fast bowlers, KG is a legend in his own time. He is the fourth and final member of the victorious 2014 SA u19 World Cup team. He will be playing under the same captain, and will be looking to get the Proteas their first-ever World Cup of any kind.

Possessing express pace, a very good slower ball and an under-utilised yorker, he is the complete package. Another product of St Stithians, he made his Proteas T20 debut at the tender age of 19, against Australia in Adelaide.

Eleven years after that debut, he is the most-capped South African bowler in this format, and will be a key player. If KG shines, SA have a good chance of winning the title.

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KG’s will be donning the green and gold for a fourth T20 World Cup, with hopes of taking them to victory.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

KG is an eight-season IPL campaigner, spending 4 seasons with the Delhi Capitals, 3 with the Punjab Kings and 1 with the Gujarat Titans. That will help him with knowledge of the conditions at Ahmedabad. He has also played Major League Cricket and in the Vitality Blast during a stint with Kent early in his career. He has had 4 seasons with MICT in the SA20.

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STRENGTHS

– Can bowl in excess of 140km/h regularly

– Possesses a brilliant yorker

– Has pace variations

– Very good short of a length, can get the ball to shape both ways

– Has a short ball to use as a surprise, which can be very effective

– Can be asked to bowl a specific line and length to restrict scoring

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Can sometimes bowl too much on a length and be able to be hit through the line

– Pace on in the powerplay can be used to the batter’s advantage

BEST USED WHEN

Often used in the Powerplay, either opening the bowling or first change, which gives him the best opportunity to take wickets with pace and movement. Rarely bowls at the death, preferred to bowl out before the 16th over. Can be useful in the middle overs to get a wicket or peg back the run-rate

MATCHDAY WATCH

There are few better sights in cricket than to see KG charging in at the batter. Look out for the fast, short ball, which can be tricky for the batter to handle. He may decide to go for the yorker as an effective delivery on the sub-continent. Just enjoy watching him bowl, his rhythm, grace and power are outstanding.

Lungi is a key part of South Africa’s T20I success. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and right-handed batter, and is a key wicket-taker and death bowler.

Arguably South Africa’s best-ever T20I pace bowler, Lungi’s subtle changes of pace and ability to bowl cutters in the death overs make him an important component of any Proteas T20 line-up. He has to date (30 January 2026) taken 29 wickets in just 60 overs at the death, which equates to 38% of his wickets in 21% of his deliveries.

The KwaZulu-Natal man earned a scholarship to Michaelhouse in the KZN Midlands and was part of the class of 2015 SA u19 team, which also included Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi. His Proteas debut came in January 2017, aged just 20. Expect Lungi to start the majority of games for SA at the 2026 version of the T20 World Cup.

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Lungi has played in one T20 World Cup, in 2022 in Australia. He was injured for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, and will be looking forward to making a massive contribution this time around.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Lungi has played in 4 IPL seasons, for Chennai Super Kings and, more recently, Royal Challengers Bangalore. He has also played Major League Cricket for the Seattle Orcas. His SA20 record is also excellent, and he helped Pretoria Capitals to get to the final in 2026. He also became the first player to achieve a hat-trick in the SA20.

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STRENGTHS

– Outstanding slower balls, very well disguised

– Consistency in line and length

– Cutters are excellent, especially on slower wickets

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Use of the slower ball can sometimes be telegraphed, which makes it easier to pick and hit

– Normal pace can be picked off easily, especially when bowling on a length

BEST USED WHEN

Very rarely used in the powerplay, is excellent when the ball gets a little softer. Is the Proteas premier death overs bowler. Expect Lungi to bowl in the middle overs (7 to 16) and at the death.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Fooling a batter with a cutter that rattles the timber is one of the things Lungi does best. Watch for the variations in grip and pace that Lungi employs, which will be on show quite a lot on the dryer, batter-friendly wickets in India at the time of the World Cup.

Kwena is a lightning-fast left-arm opening bowler and left-handed batter. He will play a back-up role for the main strike bowlers in the T20 World Cup.

Kwena burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old when first selected for the SA u19 team. He played in the 2022 u19 World Cup as a 16-year-old and then again in the 2024 u19 World Cup aged 18.

His pace, bounce and ability to move the ball both ways made life incredibly difficult for age group players, and he emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the 2024 u19 World Cup, with an astounding 21 wickets at just 9.71 per wicket.

It was no surprise that he made his Proteas debut aged 18 in a T20 against the West Indies prior to the 2024 T20 World Cup, but he did not make the World Cup squad. Kwena is one of 3 former St. Stithians pupils in the World Cup squad. He has played in all formats for South Africa.

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Kwena will be looking forward to his first senior World Cup, having played in 2 at u19 level.

LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

Kwena was picked up as an 18-year-old by the Mumbai Indians and played one IPL season for them before moving to the Rajasthan Royals in 2025. He has also played in 2 seasons of the SA20, most recently in a disappointing campaign for Durban’s Super Giants.

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STRENGTHS

– Extreme pace

– Ability to bring the ball back into the right-hander

– Excellent short ball

– Good bounce and carry

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– Has very little variation, and can get picked off with his pace

– Tends to bowl a little short of a length and is susceptible to the cut and pull, should he get his line wrong

BEST USED WHEN

Most often used in the powerplay in overs 4 to 6, and then again in the middle overs. Not ideal to be used at the death, when his pace can be used against him. Is an “enforcer” and can be very useful in the middle overs.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Look out for Kwena’s pace and brilliant bouncer, which the batter will do well to avoid. The enthusiasm of his run-up, into his gather and bound, and then as he hurtles the ball at the batter are lovely to watch. Expect Kwena to bowl quickly, very quickly.

Anrich is a right-arm express pace opening bowler and right-handed lower order batter. He is consistently the fastest bowler that South Africa are taking to the T20 World Cup. He is known on the field by his nickname “Annas”

Anrich made a welcome comeback from long-term injury at the end of 2025 and enjoyed a stellar 2026 SA20 with the champions SEC, ending as the second-highest wicket-taker. The man from Uitenhage (now Kariega) in the Eastern Cape is known as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, regularly bowling in the 145km/h range.

He made his ODI debut in 2019 for South Africa aged 25, and then made his T20 and Test debuts later that year. Annas is used in the powerplay and also at the death, where his extreme pace, combined with an excellent slower ball, are able to deliver control and wickets for the team. Incredibly athletic, his bowling rhythm is a joy to watch.

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Anrich will be playing in his fourth T20 World Cup for South Africa. Many will be hoping that his thunderbolts will be too hot for the opposition to handle on what could be batter-friendly wickets.

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LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

He has played six seasons of IPL cricket, 5 for Delhi Capitals and 1 for Kolkata Knight Riders. His knowledge of the Delhi conditions will be used for SA in the one match they play there. He has also played Major League Cricket with Washington Freedom and MI New York, as well as in the CPL with St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots. His SA20 record has been hampered by injury, where he only played 2 seasons out of the 4 to date.

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STRENGTHS

– Extreme pace, in excess of 145km/h regularly

– Very good with the hard new ball

– Good disguise on the slower ball

– Excellent short ball, when well-directed

– Economical throughout his T20I career, due to his excellent control

– Very effective at the death, mixing up his pace

WEAKNESSES OR RISK AREAS

– His pace can sometimes be used against him, particularly where the field is up at Third and Fine Leg

– When conceding early boundaries in an over, often struggles to come back in the over, tending to try and bowl faster rather than looking to variation

BEST USED WHEN

Mostly used to open the bowling, he will share these duties with Rabada, Jansen and potentially Linde. Expect him to bowl at least one over in the powerplay and then to come back for one or two in the middle and save at least one for the death. If his first over is good in the powerplay, he will likely bowl another one back-to-back.

MATCHDAY WATCH

Make sure that you are sitting comfortably and watching the rhythmical run-up and the explosion through the bowling crease. His focus and almost that “white-line-fever” haze is evident in his eyes when he is into his bowling work. Just marvel at the pace that he has, and enjoy the ball flying towards the batter.

STADIUM DESCRIPTION

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is named after the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. It is a large ground with a capacity of 132,000, and is the home of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The pitch is laid North-South. Only 8 T20 Internationals have been played at this ground, and these are detailed in the link below:

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AVERAGE SCORES

As the universe of information at the T20I level is small, the overall figures for the stadium in T20’s are as follows:

– 1st innings average: 174 for all games (90).

– The last 5 years' average is 188.

– 1st innings average for day games: 158

– 1st innings average for day/night games: 180

– 1st innings average for night games: 176

– 2nd innings average overall is 157

The highest score batting first in T20’s is 243/5, by the Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans in May 2025.

The highest score batting second is 232/5 in the same game by the Gujarat Titans.

The highest winning score batting second is 207/7 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans in April 2023.

The highest score in a T20I is 234/4 for India against New Zealand in 2023, and the lowest T20I score is 124/7, also by India, against England in 2021.

Average scores have been increasing over the years, and this is typically a high-scoring ground.

CHASING VS DEFENDING RECORD

There have been 89 matches in T20’s that have produced results at the ground.

There appears to be little difference in day and night games, but where one team bats during the day and the other at night there is a strong bias for the team batting first.

The Proteas will be playing a night game against Canada, a day game against Afghanistan and a night game against New Zealand at Ahmedabad.

PACE VS SPIN IMPACT

In all T20’s at Ahmedabad, spinners have taken 162 wickets in 621 overs at an economy rate of 8.36 runs per over.

Pace bowlers have taken 335 wickets in 1112 overs, with an economy rate of 9.02. It is clearly a high-scoring ground.

Pace bowlers have a strike rate of 19.9 (a wicket every 20 balls), which is slightly better than the 23 (a wicket every 23 balls) for spinners.

Expect runs a-plenty at Ahmedabad and feel sorry in advance for the bowlers.

PROTEAS RECORDS AT THIS GROUND

The Proteas have only played one T20I at Ahmedabad, the last match in the 2025 tour to India. It was a high-scoring affair, which India won.

David Miller has played 16 T20 matches at Ahmedabad, as he played for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. He will have a key role to play in assisting the team with their preparations.

Aiden Markram at Ahmedabad

Ryan Rickelton at Ahmedabad

Quinton de Kock at Ahmedabad

Dewald Brevis at Ahmedabad

David Miller at Ahmedabad

Jason Smith at Ahmedabad

Tristan Stubbs at Ahmedabad

George Linde at Ahmedabad

Marco Jansen at Ahmedabad

Corbin Bosch at Ahmedabad

Keshav Maharaj at Ahmedabad

Kagiso Rabada at Ahmedabad

Lungi Ngidi at Ahmedabad

Kwena Maphaka at Ahmedabad

Anrich Nortje at Ahmedabad

STADIUM DESCRIPTION

The Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi is named after the late Politician, Arun Jaitley (1952-2019), who was born in Delhi and served in the Narendra Modi government. It is a medium-sized ground with a capacity of 50,000, and is the home of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. The pitch is laid NorthWest-SouthEast. Only 8 T20 Internationals have been played at this ground, and these are detailed in the link below, sorted by the team batting first:

CLICK TO VIEW STADIUM T20I STATS

AVERAGE SCORES

As the universe of information at T20I level is small, the overall figures for the stadium in T20’s are as follows:

– 1st innings average:161 for all games (169)

– The last 5 years' average is 174.

– 1st innings average for day games: 142

– 1st innings average for day/night games: 158

– 1st innings average for night games: 173

– 2nd innings average overall is 147

The highest score batting first in T20’s is 278/3, by the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders in May 2025.

The highest score batting second is 247/5 by Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals in April 2024.

The highest winning score batting second is 219/6 by Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings in May 2021.

The highest score in a T20I is 221/9 for India against Bangladesh in 2024, and the lowest T20I score is 120 all out, by Sri Lanka, against South Africa in the T20 World Cup in 2016.

Average scores have been increasing over the years and whilst the highest score is a massive 278, this is typically a medium to high-scoring ground.

CHASING VS DEFENDING SCORES

There have been 168 matches in T20’s that have produced results at the ground

There appears to be little difference in day/night and night games, but in day games, there appears to be a significant advantage in batting first.

The Proteas will be playing a day game against the UAE in Delhi.

PACE VS SPIN IMPACT

In all T20’s at Delhi, spinners have taken 352 wickets in 1290.5 overs at an economy rate of 7.97 runs per over.

Pace bowlers have taken 675 wickets in 2389.5 overs, with an economy rate of 8.73.

Pace bowlers have a strike rate of 21.2 (a wicket every 21 balls), which is slightly better than the 22 (a wicket every 22 balls) for spinners.

There is likely more in the wicket for the bowlers at Delhi than there is at Ahmedabad, but it is still a reasonably high-scoring ground

PROTEAS RECORDS AT THIS GROUND

The Proteas have played two T20I’s at Delhi, and have won both, one against India and one against Sri Lanka. Please see the scorecards for those matches below.

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David Miller has played 14 matches at Delhi and Kagiso Rabada 11, both with numerous seasons of IPL experience at the ground.

Aiden Markram at Delhi

Quinton de Kock at Delhi

Ryan Rickelton at Delhi

Dewald Brevis at Delhi

David Miller at Delhi

Jason Smith at Delhi

Tristan Stubbs at Delhi

George Linde at Delhi

Marco Jansen at Delhi

Corbin Bosch at Delhi

Keshav Maharaj at Delhi

Kagiso Rabada at Delhi

Lungi Ngidi at Delhi

Kwena Maphaka at Delhi

Anrich Nortje at Delhi

Monday, 09 February at 15:30 SAST

South Africa vs Canada – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Wednesday, 11 February at 07:30 SAST

South Africa vs Afghanistan – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Friday, 14 February at 15:30 SAST

New Zealand vs South Africa – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Tuesday, 18 February at 07:30 SAST

South Africa vs United Arab Emirates – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

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Monday, 09 February at 15:30 SAST

South Africa vs Canada – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

South Africa powered to a dominant 57-run win over Canada, built around a fluent 59 off 28 balls from captain Aiden Markram and explosive late hitting from David Miller (39*) and Tristan Stubbs (34*). After Markram set the platform in the Powerplay, Ansh Patel briefly checked the momentum with three wickets, but Miller and Stubbs added vital acceleration at the death, with the Proteas piling on over 70 runs in the final six overs to post a commanding 213/4.

With runs on the board, Lungi Ngidi ripped through Canada’s top order early, finishing with an outstanding 4/31, while Marco Jansen offered strong support. A spirited 69-run stand between Navneet Dhaliwal (64) and Harsh Thaker (33) provided resistance, but the asking rate proved too steep and Canada closed on 156/8. The Proteas now turn their attention to Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, carrying strong momentum forward.

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Wednesday, 11 February at 07:30 SAST

South Africa vs Afghanistan – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

South Africa edged Afghanistan in one of the most extraordinary matches of the T20 World Cup, eventually prevailing after two Super Overs in Ahmedabad. After being sent in, the Proteas posted 187/6 thanks to a blistering 114-run stand between Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61), before Rashid Khan (2/28) and Azmat Omarzai (3/41) dragged Afghanistan back late. David Miller and Marco Jansen’s late surge ensured a competitive total after 200 had briefly looked on.

Afghanistan matched the score in dramatic fashion, powered by a superb 84 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, only for a chaotic final over – featuring no-balls, sixes and a run-out off a free hit – to force a Super Over. When that too was tied, South Africa finally sealed it in a second Super Over, with Tristan Stubbs and Miller providing the decisive blows before Keshav Maharaj held his nerve to close it out. A true classic, packed with twists, momentum swings and unforgettable drama.

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Friday, 14 February at 15:30 SAST

New Zealand vs South Africa – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Captain Aiden Markram produced a captain’s knock with a blistering unbeaten 86 as South Africa national cricket team stormed to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand national cricket team, staying perfect in the tournament. Chasing 176, the Proteas exploded to 83/1 in the Powerplay, with Markram racing to a joint-fastest tournament fifty off just 19 balls before calmly guiding the chase home with 17 balls to spare.

Earlier, Marco Jansen’s three quick wickets derailed New Zealand’s innings after a flying start, and despite resistance from the middle order, they were held to 175/7. Markram then led a ruthless response, backed by handy contributions from Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis, before David Miller finished in style. The win leaves South Africa on the brink of Super 8 qualification.

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CANADA

First Group Match, Ahmedabad, 3.30 pm SAST, Monday 9th February 2026

TEAM OVERVIEW

Canada will be playing at their second T20 World Cup, after participating in 2024. They won the Americas qualifying tournament to make it through to the finals, beating Bermuda in the final group game to secure a clean sweep against the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.

Canada and the USA were the first teams to play a cricket international in 1844. Their T20 enjoyed success in beating Ireland at the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup and they will be looking to surprise and potentially upset one of the big guns this time. Their big match-up is expected to be against the UAE.

KEY THREATS TO SOUTH AFRICA

The youngest member of the squad, and arguably their best batter, is Yuvraj Samra, aged 19. He is a left-hand opening batter, and also has the fastest T20I fifty for Canada, off just 15 balls. The World Cup will mark his debut against a full ICC member. In this format he has a strike rate of 160.72, with 27 sixes in 16 T20I.

Thirty-nine year old left-arm spinner Saad Bin Zafar is the oldest member of the squad. Saad made his debut for Canada in 2008, and has played for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and the St Lucia Zouks in the CPL. He has the incredible figures of 4-4-0-2 in a T20I against Panama.

There is also right-arm seamer and right-hand batting all-rounder Jaskaran Singh, who has won the IPL with Deccan Chargers in 2009. He represented India A, and only made his debut for Canada in 2025.

Their possible line-up will include former captain Nicholas Kirton, who was born in Barbados, and is a key batter in the team. It will be led by 23 year-old Dilpreet Bajwa, who is relatively inexperienced at this level.

WEAKNESSES SOUTH AFRICA CAN TARGET

The inexperience of the Canadian team at the top level will make any challenge against South Africa very difficult. The South African attack should be too strong, and there appear to be few demons in the bowling attack.

KEY MATCH-UPS

South Africa will look to get amongst the openers quickly to expose the experienced Kirton to the harder new ball.

Expect South Africa to get a convincing victory against Canada, which will assist in their Net Run Rate.

EXPECTED LINE-UP:

1 Navneet Dhaliwal, 2 Yuvraj Samra, 3 Dilpreet Bajwa (capt), 4 Nicholas Kirton, 5 Harsh Thaker, 6 Kanwarpal Tathgur (wk), 7 Jaskaran Singh, 8 Saad Bin Zafar, 9 Shivam Sharma, 10 Dilon Heyliger, 11 Kaleem Sana

Rest of the squad: Ravinderpal Singh, Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Shreyas Movva (wk)

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AFGHANISTAN

Second Group Match, Ahmedabad, 11 am SAST, Wednesday 11th February 2026

TEAM OVERVIEW

Afghanistan is the dark horse of the tournament. Sitting just outside the top team rankings when the seeding was done, they are currently 10th in the ICC T20 rankings, on 222 points.

Men's T20 Team Rankings

This will be their 8th T20 World Cup.

They possess an experienced team, with Captain Rashid Khan (ranked number 2 in T20I bowlers) alone having 111 T20I’s before the tournament.

Veterans Mohammad Nabi (in his 8th T20 World Cup) and Gulbadin Naib will certainly provide him with significant support, and they also have some spin wizards in Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad.

Rashid, Noor and Mujeeb will be very familiar with the South African squad, having just competed in the SA20.

Men's T20I Bowling Rankings

Spin will be their go-to, and they will be relying on this, as well as their explosive top order. Three of the top 4 did get runs in the recent 2-1 series win against the West Indies in Dubai, and if wicketkeeper/batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran get them off to a good start, the middle order can also fire.

This will by no means be an easy game for South Africa, as they know that Afghanistan punched above their weight in the last T20 World Cup and lost heavily to South Africa in the Semi-Final. The Afghans will be out for revenge.

KEY THREATS TO SOUTH AFRICA

The Afghans’ strength lies in their ability to squeeze teams with their spin bowling, and this tournament will be no different.

Expect to see spin in the powerplay, with pace off the ball an important part of their plan. Seeing as it is a day game in Ahmedabad, the ball will not be coming on to the bat as quickly and this can be a problem for free-scoring, especially as the ball gets softer.

Zadran and Gurbaz are ranked 13th and 15th on the current ICC T20I batting rankings, and only Dewald Brevis is higher for the Proteas. Getting them early will be key.

Men's T20I Batting Rankings

WEAKNESSES SOUTH AFRICA CAN TARGET

South Africa will be very familiar with the spin threat posed by the three key spinners in Rashid, Noor and Mujeeb, so while this is a strength for Afghanistan, it could also be their achilles heel.

Extreme pace against the openers will be key, so expect South Africa to get Nortje, Jansen and/or Rabada in early, to exploit any movement and bounce.

If South Africa can remove the openers early, then the rest of the batting order may find it difficult to build an innings.

Afghanistan are a mercurial team, and if you get early wickets, they could fall like a house of cards. If they get on top and have momentum, they are difficult to stop.

KEY MATCH-UPS

South Africa’s openers will need to deal with the spin of Mujeeb and the pace of Azmatullah Omarzai in the Powerplay, and if they can get SA off to a good start then this will be key. In the middle overs the guile of Rashid will be important to overcome to keep the rate ticking along.

Keshav Maharaj against the Afghan top and middle order will be important, as their experience against spin could trump SA’s premier slow bowler. From a bowling aspect, SA's pacers up front are the key to getting early wickets, particularly one feels Marco Jansen’s left-arm pace being particularly important.

EXPECTED LINE-UP:

1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz; 2 Ibrahim Zadran; 3 Sediqullah Atal; 4 Darwish Rasooli; 5 Azmatullah Omarzai; 6 Mohammad Nabi; 7 Gulbadin Naib; 8 Rashid Khan (C) ; 9 Noor Ahmad; 10 Mujeeb Ur Rahman; 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi

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NEW ZEALAND

Third Group Match, Ahmedabad, 3.30 pm SAST, Saturday 14th February 2026

TEAM OVERVIEW

Currently ranked one above SA at 4th in the World in T20I’s, New Zealand are a highly professional team. Coached by former SA white-ball coach Rob Walter, they will be well aware of the Proteas’ strengths and weaknesses.

Captained by the outstanding left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, NZ are expected to progress out of the group with South Africa. They have a team that is made up of a number of all-rounders, with plenty of spin options.

Whilst only Jacob Duffy (Number 4 T20I bowler) is ranked in the top 10 of any ICC T20I list, they are a team where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Batting all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell come into the tournament in very good form, despite NZ losing their 5 match series against India 4-1. Mitchell’s heroics in the ODI series led NZ to a 2-1 series win.

Right-handed opening batter and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert is also in good form, and he is expected to open with Finn Allen.

Ravindra at number 3, followed by Glenn Phillips, Mitchell and Mark Chapman.

Pace bowlers Duffy and Matt Henry can either be joined by the allround ability of the experienced Jimmy Neesham or Lockie Ferguson to complete the pace attack, with the wrist spin of Ish Sodhi also likely to play a part.

New Zealand played South Africa most recently in a T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe in July 2025, and beat SA in the final. The SA team they will face in the WC will have more of the first-choice players in action, and this is expected to be an excellent match.

KEY THREATS TO SOUTH AFRICA

Matt Henry has been excellent for NZ in both the opening powerplay and the death overs. The spin attack poses the greatest threat to SA, with Santner’s career middle-overs record of a wicket every three overs and an economy rate of 7.5. His captaincy is also very astute. New Zealand will look to strike early with the moving ball, and then contain in the middle overs.

The explosive Seifert and Allen at the top of the order can get NZ off to a flyer, with tight lines and lengths needed from SA on a batting-friendly surface. Ravindra’s calmness at 3, followed by the power of Mitchell and Phillips will be key for New Zealand’s success.

WEAKNESSES SOUTH AFRICA CAN TARGET

As in any innings, the openers can be vulnerable early, and the role of Marco Jansen will be key here. The New Zealanders will be good to anything straight and too full, as well as short outside the off-stump.

The middle order is mainly all-rounders, so early wickets could open up the middle order to significant pressure.

Overall they are a well-balanced team that has few significant weaknesses.

KEY MATCH-UPS

The battle between SA’s quicks and the NZ openers will be key. The innovation of Mitchell and Phillips against Maharaj and Linde will be an interesting tussle, and we can expect the unexpected from the NZ middle order.

Santner against Brevis will also be a key battle, as the Proteas batter may not be able to dominate the wily NZ Captain. South Africa’s ability to deal with Santner’s bowler rotation will be important throughout their innings.

The New Zealand game may be a must-win if SA fall to Afghanistan, so keep an eye open for this fascinating fixture.

EXPECTED STARTING XI:

1 Tim Seifert; 2 Finn Allen; 3 Rachin Ravindra; 4 Darryl Mitchell; 5 Glenn Phillips; 6 Mark Chapman; 7 Mitchell Santner; 8 Ish Sodhi; 9 Lockie Ferguson; 10 Jacob Duffy; 11 Matt Henry.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Fourth and Final Group Match, Delhi, 11 am SAST, Wednesday 18th February 2026

TEAM OVERVIEW

The UAE will be making their third appearance at a T20 World Cup, after their appearances at the 2014 and 2022 editions, both times being eliminated in the group stages.

The 17th ranked team in the world are once again not expected to get through the group stages, with heavyweights South Africa, New Zealand and Afghanistan standing in their way. The match-up against 19th ranked Canada will certainly be the match they are targeting to win.

They reached the tournament by finishing third in the final Asia/East Asia-Pacific qualifier behind Nepal and Oman.

Captain Muhammad Waseem is an experienced campaigner, with 93 T20I’s to his name. The explosive right-handed opening batter (career strike rate of over 150) leads a team short on big tournament experience, but he has played in the ILT20, BPL and LPL with some success.

His batting partner at the top of the order is likely to be the young wicketkeeper/batter Aryansh Sharma, whose fledgling career shows some promise. The middle order will be led by Alishan Sharafu, who is the most experienced and prolific of batters 3 to 6, with ILT20 experience with both the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriors.

The bowling attack is led by veteran right-arm pacer Junaid Siddique, another Sharjah Warriors player. He will be supported by left-arm orthodox spinner Haider Ali and right-arm off-break allrounder Dhruv Parashar, who may well bowl in the Powerplay. Both Ali and Dhruv have ILT20 experience, with the Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers respectively.

Despite boasting career economy rates below 6, Ali’s career is mainly against associate nations, only having played against Afghanistan (2), Pakistan (3) and Bangladesh (3) full member teams.

KEY THREATS TO SOUTH AFRICA

It’s hard to see how the UAE are going to trouble the Proteas, but the use of off-break bowler Dhruv in the powerplay may be the way they will try and silence Quinton de Kock.

Siddique and Ali will be their main threats with the ball, and if they are seen off, then the back-up bowlers may well struggle on what should be a good Delhi surface.

Expect captain Waseem to come out swinging, so tight lines will be important for the SA attack early on. The middle order will be propped up by Sharafu, so his wicket will be an important one to get to prevent the UAE from posing any batting threat.

WEAKNESSES SOUTH AFRICA CAN TARGET

It is unlikely that the UAE batters would have faced extreme pace, and the likes of Nortje, Jansen and Rabada could be a handful, even on a benign pitch. In the recent series against Ireland, spinners Delany and Humphreys were amongst the main wicket-takers. The guile and experience of Keshav Maharaj should be difficult for the Emiratis.

Siddique’s runs per over against full members is between 8.5 and 9, so the Proteas will be looking to target the opening bowler in the powerplay. The absence of a strike bowler for the UAE should allow the Proteas to get off to a good start and maintain the momentum throughout the innings.

KEY MATCH-UPS

The Proteas batting powerplay is going to be important to set the foundation, so the battle between Markram and Siddique will be interesting to see, as will Dhruv versus de Kock.

On the SA bowling side, the way that the opening bowlers target Waseem, the key batter for the UAE, will be very important.

The UAE’s recent series against Ireland at home was a 2-0 loss to the Emiratis, and there appears little chance of them giving last tournament’s finalists a major challenge.

EXPECTED POSSIBLE LINE-UP:

1 Aryansh Sharma (wk); 2 Muhammad Waseem (capt); 3 Muhammad Zohaib; 4 Alishan Sharafu; 5 Harshit Kaushik; 6 Mayank Kumar; 7 Dhruv Parashar; 8 Muhammad Arfan; 9 Haider Ali; 10 Junaid Siddique; 11 Muhammad Jawadullah.

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