Why this won’t be South Africa’s year at the T20 World Cup tournament

The T20 World Cup is set to start later this week with 20 teams doing battle for the title.

The tournament is scheduled to take place between Saturday 7 February and 8 March. Starting with four pools of five teams, there are a host of minnow sides playing in the competition – look out for the likes of Oman, Italy, Netherlands and Nepal amongst others.

South Africa will be there, as usual, still questing for a first elusive World Cup win. Drawn in Pool D alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, UAE and Canada they should advance comfortably to the Super Eights.

Let’s take a moment to look at their likely opponents and potential passage to the title.

Pool play

Drawn in a relatively tough group, the Proteas are the fifth ranked side in the world and have been drawn in a group that includes fourth ranked New Zealand and tenth ranked Afghanistan.

To put matters into perspective Afghanistan faced the West Indies immediately before the Caribbean outfit travelled to South Africa. Rashid Khan and his Afghan side won the series 2-1, the same margin that the Proteas beat the Windies by.

Afghanistan has the potential to make life tricky for the group favourites – especially on the turning wickets of Asia.

If things go according to play South Africa should advance from Pool D alongside New Zealand. Joining them are likely to be:

Pool A

Mortal enemies India and Pakistan are drawn in this group alongside minnows Netherlands, Namibia and USA.

Pakistan have made it clear that they won’t play India, but that shouldn’t be too much cause for alarm as they should be good enough to beat the other sides in their group.

Yes, Namibia did beat South Africa in 2025, but that was a ocne-off encounter against a second-string Proteas. Pakistan head into the World Cup having beaten Australia 3-0 while India took the series against New Zealand 4-1.

The Asian giants should advance to the Super Eights at a canter.

Pool B

Sri Lanka and Australia are the big fish in this pool, but both sides come into the World Cup off the back of series defeats. Australia were trounced 3-0 by Pakistan while England got the better of Sri Lanka.

Despite their ropey form the duo should have too much experience for the smaller sides in the group, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman. While Oman are unlikely to cause an upset, Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar Raza could surprise while Ireland too have come a long way in T20Is.

Pool C

This pool was meant to feature Bangladesh, but they pulled out of the competition to be replaced by Scotland.

It’s a move that surely saw the West Indies taking a big breath of relief as the ninth ranked Bangladesh on Asian pitches would have been a tough assignment for the seventh ranked Windies.

Now however it looks likely that they will advance along with England with Scotland, Nepal and Italy making up the places.

Also read: 5 exciting under-23 stars poised for breakout T20 World Cup campaigns

Super Eights

If everything goes according to plan the top eight seeds will advance to the Super Eights. As was the case in the USA and Caribbean last time out, the Super Eight stage is divided into two pools of four.

No points from the pool stages are carried through and teams are slotted into a Super Eight Group based on their initial seeding rather than where they finished in the initial group. This means that teams that played each other in Pool Play won’t meet again in the Super Eights.

Should South Africa advance they are likely to be in a group alongside Australia, India, and the West Indies. Barring an upset the second group would feature England, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

At this stage of the competition each team faces the other in their pool with the Winner of Pool A facing the runner up of Pool B in one semi-final, while in turn the winner of Pool B faces the runner up of Pool A.

From a seeding perspective this is where the Proteas would be expected to bow out of the competition. But they have what it takes to advance to the semi-finals. India have looked very good in the build up to the competition with a crushing 4-1 series defeat over New Zealand.

Ishan Kishan is in great form; Abhishek Sharma is looking imperious while skipper Suryakumar Yadav has rediscovered his form.

Bolt on a bowling attack that features Varun Chakravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah and of course home ground advantage and it is no surprise to see why India are favourites.

But Australia are looking vulnerable… Pat Cummins is unavailable and Pakistan delivered a comprehensive 3-0 series spanking in the final warm-up to the main event.

It was spin that proved the Aussies undoing and if South Africa face Australia on a spin-friendly surface the likes of Keshav Maharaj, George Linde and Aiden Markram would be licking their lips in anticipation.

If South Africa are going to beat India, let them leave it for the final… their best chance of advancing to the semis is to see off Australia and the West Indies.

Semi-finals

It’s always tough to pick who will make it this far in the competition, but India looks like a safe bet. We are backing the hosts to emerge top of their group with South Africa in second place.

From the other group expect it to be England and New Zealand who emerge triumphant. Sri Lanka look the least likely to affect an upset while Pakistan is eternally mercurial and could do anything.

But England and New Zealand are two consistently good and organized teams, and they look the most likely to advance to the penultimate round of the competition.

In many ways it would be a disaster if Pakistan made it through and were then scheduled to face India – if that happened, they would forfeit in the semi-final (or at least that is the official position at the time of writing).

India would probably enjoy the prospect of facing New Zealand in the semi-final. The two sides have just finished a five-game series and know each other’s capabilities well.

But it will be a close call between the New Zealand and England to see who finishes top of the group. If South Africa are to make the final for a second year running it looks likely that they would be forced to face one of those two sides.

The final

We can all dream. Protea fans must remember that the team goes into the tournament as the world’s fifth ranked side. That means making the semi-final would be a better than par result.

To make the final would be a great achievement. To win it would be sensational. The odds on a Protea win are long, but they are worth a punt. Why you ask? Well, Shukri Conrad is taking a side to Asia that is in form.

Players like Dewald Brevis, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock are all in great touch. The bowling attack is potent as always. Perhaps most importantly though, the Proteas are coming in below the radar.

They don’t boast any of the top ranked players and they are only ranked fifth. They have the reputation of being chokers, even though they have proven that not to be the case. This all translates into the ability to surprise as much as it does in the ability to disappoint…

Whatever happens, expect a fantastic tournament played out in front of passionate fans.

Read next: Revealed – The 9 best T20 World Cup batters of all time

The post Why this won’t be South Africa’s year at the T20 World Cup tournament appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/7T3Oig1

Will these 7 players take their curtain call at the T20 World Cup?

World Cups are often used as milestones in the careers of players and coaches. Stars, aiming to go out the top of the game, like to retire after key tournaments (ideally having won them).

It’s what happened with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean, and something the pair are likely to do again after the ODI World Cup in South Africa in 2027.

But which stars are we likely to see donning their national colours for the last time in February’s T20 World Cup? Here’s our list of seven stars that we expect will hang up their helmets come the end of the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

1. Suryakumar Yadav (India)

In many ways Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the defining T20 batter of his generation, redefining what is possible in the middle overs with his range and audacity.

Now on the wrong side of 35, the India captain finds himself with little left to prove in the shortest format of the game.

He has already lifted an ICC trophy and remains central to India’s hopes in home conditions, but the relentless schedule and increasing injury concerns suggest the end may be near.

A final World Cup on familiar pitches, with the chance to sign off as a champion, feels like a natural conclusion to his T20 international journey.

After a barren spell in 2025 he has struck excellent form against New Zealand and if he can carry that into the World Cup, India will be in an excellent place.

2. David Miller (South Africa)

Few players have been as synonymous with South Africa’s T20 evolution as David Miller. The left hander has reinvented himself multiple times, transitioning from raw power hitter to calm finisher and senior leader.

Approaching 36, Miller remains effective but faces growing competition from younger options. He has also become increasingly susceptible to injury.

South Africa’s white ball rebuild is accelerating and this World Cup offers Miller a final opportunity to deliver on the biggest stage (assuming that he recovers his fitness in time), particularly in subcontinental conditions where his experience against spin is invaluable.

3. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell has been Australia’s great T20 enigma and match winner rolled into one. Capable of turning games in a handful of deliveries, he has also endured periods of inconsistency and injury.

With Australia placing greater emphasis on workload management and succession planning, Maxwell’s role is likely to diminish beyond this tournament.

At 36, and with an ODI World Cup win already secured, a final T20 World Cup cameo would allow him to bow out on his own terms and go on to spend some time playing on the lucrative franchise circuit.

4. Adil Rashid (England)

Adil Rashid’s influence on England’s white ball success cannot be overstated. The leg spinner has been a constant across multiple World Cup cycles, delivering control and wickets in the toughest phases of T20 cricket.

Now 37, Rashid remains highly skilled, but England have already begun introducing younger spin options. His tactical nous and experience will be crucial in India and Sri Lanka, but this tournament feels like a natural endpoint before England fully hand over to the next generation.

Also read: 5 exciting under-23 stars poised for breakout T20 World Cup campaigns

5. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Alongside Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi has been the backbone of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket. As an all rounder and leader, he has bridged the gap between eras and provided stability in pressure moments.

Now over 40, Nabi is already operating well beyond the typical international career span. Afghanistan’s improving depth suggests this World Cup will be his farewell, allowing him to exit having helped establish his country as a genuine force in global T20 cricket.

6. Johnson Charles (West Indies)

Johnson Charles has enjoyed a late career renaissance, forcing his way back into West Indies contention through strong franchise performances.

Now in his mid-thirties, Charles offers power at the top and vast experience, but West Indies are increasingly focused on youth and long-term planning.

A final World Cup appearance would reward his perseverance and provide a fitting end to an international career defined by resilience and adaptability.

7. Sikander Raza (Zimbabwe)

Sikander Raza has carried Zimbabwe’s white ball ambitions almost single handedly in recent years.

Batting, bowling and leading with equal commitment, he has been the face of their revival, and his efforts have seen him deservedly climb to number two on the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.

At 38, and with Zimbabwe seeking to blood younger talent ahead of future cycles, this T20 World Cup could be his last global tournament.

As much as he has the ability to hold his place in the Zimbabwe side, he showed what he is capable of as a franchise player in the recently completed SA20, and he may well fancy a few lucrative paydays with more time on the franchise circuit.

A strong showing at the World Cup, would certainly underline his status as one of Zimbabwe’s finest modern cricketers.

Read next: Revealed – The 9 best T20 World Cup batters of all time

The post Will these 7 players take their curtain call at the T20 World Cup? appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/WZ5JQ2z

Brilliant Bethell bowls England to victory against Sri Lanka

Brilliant Bethell bowls England to victory against Sri Lanka

from Cricket https://ift.tt/nzCMgwi

Harry Brook’s 12-ball brutality maintains England’s momentum

Harry Brook’s 12-ball brutality maintains England’s momentum

from Cricket https://ift.tt/AF3GZ6f

Engalnd in rude health for T20 World Cup after Sam Curran hat-trick helps them to victory

Engalnd in rude health for T20 World Cup after Sam Curran hat-trick helps them to victory

from Cricket https://ift.tt/4xwOiys

Abhishek Sharma fast becoming a household name among T20I mavericks

Abhishek Sharma turned on the afterburners as he smashed New Zealand all over the park on his way to a 14-ball half century recently. He went on to make an undefeated 68 from 20 balls as India won with ten overs to spare.

Abhishek and Suryakumar Yadav were simply awesome as they broke record after record in chasing down New Zealand’s respectable albeit average score of 153.

In reaching his 50 did Abhishek set a record for the fastest half-century by an Indian batsman? As it turns out, he did not. Here are the five fastest half centuries by an Indian batsman in T20 cricket.

1. Yuvraj Singh

• 12 balls v England in 2007 in Durban

The benchmark for all rapid-fire T20 innings remains Yuvraj Singh’s astonishing assault on England in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Facing Stuart Broad, Yuvraj famously smashed six sixes in an over, racing to his half century in just 12 deliveries.

It was a moment that defined early T20 cricket and announced India as a major force in the new format. Yuvraj’s innings was not just about power, but about audacity.

At the time, such levels of aggression were almost unheard of in international cricket. While the other feats on this list were al achieved in recent times, the fact that Yuvraj’s benchmark knock came in 2007 and still stands, speaks volumes as to how unique his achievement was.

2. Abhishek Sharma

• 14 balls v New Zealand in 2026 in Guwahati

Abhishek’s recent effort against New Zealand now sits just behind Yuvraj on the all-time list. Opening the batting, the world’s number one ranked T20I batsman dismantled the Black Caps attack, with a combination of clean hitting and fearless intent.

His 14 ball fifty came inside the powerplay and effectively ended the contest before it had truly begun.

What made the knock even more impressive was the context: it was a series India were desperate to dominate, after losing the preceding ODI leg, as they looked to establish meaningful momentum ahead of the imminent T20 World Cup.

Also read: 5 exciting under-23 stars poised for breakout T20 World Cup campaigns

3. Hardik Pandya

• 16 balls v South Africa in 2025 in Ahmedabad

Hardik Pandya’s entry on the list was a reminder of why he has been one of India’s most valuable white-ball players of the past decade.

Against South Africa, he walked in with India under pressure at 115 for three in the 13^th over and immediately shifted the momentum with brutal hitting through the leg side and straight down the ground.

His half century in 16 balls was built on raw power, but also on smart targeting of the bowlers.

4. Abhishek Sharma

• 17 balls v England in 2026 in Mumbai

Abhishek appears twice on this list, underlining his rapid rise as one of India’s most destructive T20 openers.

Against England at the Wankhede, a venue known for high-scoring thrillers, he again took advantage of the powerplay and thrilled a packed crowd with a blistering display of strokeplay.

The fact that two of the five fastest half centuries belong to him suggests this is not a one-off phenomenon. As it stands Abhishek boasts the highest career strike-rate of any player in T20I cricket with his 1267 runs from 35 innings coming at a strike rate of 195.22.

5. KL Rahul

• 18 balls v Scotland in 2021 in Dubai

KL Rahul’s inclusion offers a slightly different flavour. Known more for elegance and timing than brute force, Rahul showed against Scotland that he could also operate in overdrive when required.

His 18 ball fifty came during the T20 World Cup and was a vital contribution in a must-win group game for India. His knock of 50 was part of a total of just 89 as India chased down Scotland’s modest score of 85 all out to win the game in just 6.3 overs.

Read next: Revealed – The 9 best T20 World Cup batters of all time

The post Abhishek Sharma fast becoming a household name among T20I mavericks appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/bZ6X8od

The 5 biggest omissions from India’s T20 World Cup squad

With the series against South Africa now a thing of the past – India won the five‑game T20I component of the Proteas’ recent tour 3-1 – India’s preparation for the defence of their World Cup T20I title is all but done.

When the new edition of the T20 World Cup gets underway in February, India will be hoping to defend their title on home soil. They have already named their squad for the event, and it looks particularly strong.

There will be a handful of players feeling unlucky to have missed out on selection though; here are five T20 cricket stars who can consider themselves hard done by.

1. Shubman Gill

Without doubt the most high-profile omission, Shubman Gill has been a key figure for India in recent white-ball cricket.

With his calm presence at the top of the order and ability to play both attacking and anchoring roles, Gill has often been the team’s backbone in high-pressure games.

Gill didn’t score huge runs against South Africa, but he wasn’t out of form either. Given his role as vice-captain and his all-format experience his omission seems harsh.

His dropping has been explained as a product of a change in philosophy, with India deciding that having a wicketkeeper at the top of the order is the best way to find balance in the side.

The decision to go for that option has seen both Gill and incumbent T20I gloveman Jitesh Sharma left out while Ishan Kishan gets the nod.

Also read: Cricket’s biggest bromances – 7 duos who have played together the most

2. Jitesh Sharma

A strong contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman slot, Jitesh Sharma has impressed in recent T20I outings. Known for his quick hands behind the stumps and aggressive batting, he was often seen making a difference in tight games.

However, as explained above, the selectors have preferred to go with a keeper who can open the batting and as such Ishan Kishan, who has been in excellent form domestically, has been named as the preferred keeper.

Given his form and versatility, many feel he deserved at least a place in the 15-man squad, who are favourites across the best betting sites in India to win the T2o World Cup.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed

The all-round capabilities of Shahbaz Ahmed have been crucial in India’s T20I setup. His ability to bowl economical off-spin and contribute with the bat in the lower order has made him a dependable option in recent seasons.

While not a first choice, Ahmed was part of the squad for the series against South Africa. Nevertheless, with the squad prioritising other spinning options, Shahbaz missed out on the call-up.

Fans of the left-arm spinner will hope that his continued performances in domestic cricket and the IPL can earn him a spot in future tournaments.

4. Ashok Sharma

Yet to play for India on the international stage, Ashok’s inclusion would have been a surprise, but his form in the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy has been excellent.

He is the tournament’s leading wicket taker with 22 wickets at an average of 15.63.

Sometimes outstanding domestic form is enough to sway the selectors, and while Ashok would not have started ahead of Arshdeep or Jasprit Bumrah, his presence in the squad would certainly have been merited.

At 23 years old he still has plenty of time ahead of him to force his way into the team.

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal

A left-handed opener with a fearless approach, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been a regular in recent white-ball squads. His ability to attack from the start and rotate the strike efficiently makes him an ideal fit for T20 cricket.

Despite these credentials, he was overlooked for the World Cup squad, as the top order was packed with other experienced options.

Jaiswal’s omission highlights the challenge selectors face when balancing youth and experience, and he will be eager to make his mark in future series.

Read next: The 5 most complete, all-format bowlers who are arguably overworked

The post The 5 biggest omissions from India’s T20 World Cup squad appeared first on Cricket365.

from Cricket365 https://ift.tt/gBul3ec