South Africa is a nation that looks ever so promising but just couldn”t ever win the silverware. They have done well in the home season by whitewashing Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and won the ODI series against Pakistan by 3-2. Last year, the Men in Green were outplayed by India 1-5.
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Champions Trophy 2017, was not a fruitful event for South Africa. They couldn”t proceed beyond the first round. The team will be captained by Faf du Plessis and would be hoping to lift their maiden World Cup title. South Africa starts the tournament with the opening match against hosts England on 30th May 2019.
Here we look at the 5 Key players to watch out in the squad
1. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock is an explosive opener for South Africa. He has been in the phenomenal form of late. He played a key role for Mumbai Indians in this year”s IPL. De Kock was the 3rd highest run scorer with 529 runs from 16 matches (16 innings) with 4 half-centuries to his name.
He made his ODI debut for South Africa against New Zealand in 2013. So far in his career, de Kock has played 106 matches (106 innings) and scored 4602 runs with a best of 178.
In his last 8 innings, de Kock has scored 1 century and 3 half-centuries. His ability to play positive strokes makes the bowler about his line and length.
De Kock”s role both with the bat and behind the wicket for South Africa is vital for them to proceed a long way in the tournament.
2. Hashim Amla
Hashim Amla carries loads of experience batting in South Africa colours. But in recent games, the man has been struggling for form. Making his ODI debut on 9th March 2008, Amla has played 174 matches (171 innings) and scored 7910 runs at an average of 49.74 with the best score of 159.
Amla even at 36, has been hungrier than ever for runs. Although Amla coming off from a poor stint of cricket, his mind is fresh for World Cup. He proved his word in the first World Cup warm-up game against Sri Lanka by scoring a handy 65. Since his debut, Amla has been a vital part of the South African setup.
Amla is one of the South African stalwarts. He is South Africa”s highest run scorer who is still active. At 36, it is anticipated that it would be Amla”s last World Cup. With that being said and some bold statements made by him in the press conferences, he would definitely be looking to make a mark in the 2019 World Cup.
3. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is one of the best bowlers in modern day cricket. His form in this year”s IPL was remarkable. For the Capitals, he took 25 wickets from 12 matches (12 innings) with an economy of 7.82. He was the second highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Rabada”s ability to bowl pacy yorkers makes him ferocious at the death. Recently South Africa feared an injury scare when Rabada was ruled out of the IPL with a back strain. Since his debut in 2015, he has been South Africa”s go-to bowler. He has played 66 matches (65 innings) and taken 106 wickets at an economy of 4.98.
In 2018, Rabada was impressive with 23 wickets from 14 matches (14 innings) at an economy of 4.85. This year again he has shown consistency, by taking 13 wickets from 9 matches ( 9 innings) at an economy of 4.84
He will be an important weapon for South Africa heading to the World Cup. With his fast and furious deliveries coupled with swinging English conditions, Rabada becomes a batsman”s nightmare.
4. Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir has aged 40 has just hit a purple patch in his career. He was impressive in IPL 2019 winning the purple cap by taking 26 wickets from 17 matches (17 innings) at an economy of 6.69.
He made his ODI debut for South Africa against West Indies during the 2011 World Cup. Since his debut, Tahir has played 98 matches (96 innings) and taken 162 wickets with an economy of 4.62 per over.
He was impressive during the 2015 World Cup with 15 wickets from 8 matches (8 innings) at an economy of 4.23. South Africa reached the semi-final where they lost a thrilling encounter against New Zealand.
In the 2017 Champions Trophy held in England, Tahir took 5 wickets from 3 matches (3 innings) at an economy of 4.32. His performance included a fifer. South Africa was knocked out in the league stage.
So far in 2019, Imran Tahir has taken so far 11 wickets from 7 matches (7 innings) with an economy of 3.87 runs per over.
Playing his last World Cup, Tahir would be hoping to create an impact on the matches in middle overs and give South Africa their maiden World Cup title.
5. Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn is the most experienced bowler in the South Africa squad. But of late he has been struggling due to injuries. He missed the 2017 Champions Trophy for the same reason. Steyn swings the bowl at a pace which can trouble the best in the business.
He has played 125 One day internationals (124 innings) and taken 196 wickets with an economy of 4.87. In the 2015 World Cup, Steyn took 11 wickets from 8 matches (8 innings) at an economy of 5.02.
Playing his 3rd World Cup, Steyn would be hoping to give his best and end his career with a World Cup medal. He will play an important role to pick wickets and bowl well in tandem.