World Cup 2022 | Team South Africa | Complete Squad Analysis | SWOT
Written By: Ritwika Dhar
Date: 26-02-2022
Picture Courtesy: Cricket Queens
BRIEF HISTORY
- 2-times World Cup Semi-finalists (World Cup 2000 in New Zealand and the last time in World Cup 2017 in England)
- South Africa’s regular captain Dane van Niekerk who got injured before this World Cup and couldn’t be part of the squad this time, took a record 4-wicket haul without conceding a run against West Indies in the last World Cup.
- In their 1st appearance in the World Cup 1997 that was held in India, they made it to the Quarter-finals.
Previous World Cup Appearances: 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017
Best Finish: Semi-finalist - 2000 and 2017
CURRENT FORM
- Won all their bilateral series in 2021
- Finished at the 3rd position in ICC Championship 2017-2020
- Won the recently concluded bilateral series against West Indies by 2-1
SQUAD
STRENGTHS
Lethal pace attack: South Africa has a pace attack to be in envy of. They have Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail leading the pack and are supported by Ayabonga Khaka (who became only the 3rd pacer to bag a 5-fer in ODIs for South Africa).
Winning momentum they have now for 2 years: South Africa have been on a role. They have played 20 ODIs since 2020 and have lost just 1 of them.
One of the best opening pairs: With Lizelle Lee back in the side, South Africa will now be having Laura Wolvaardt and Lee back again as openers. This is one formidable opening pair with Lee providing power, and Wolvaardt providing stability.
WEAKNESSES
Masabata Klaas’ lack of wickets: South Africa’s pace attack is firing, but Klaas hasn’t been one of them. In 50 innings, she has managed to pick only 44 wickets. Her struggle has been a little bit more in the last two years as she has picked 6 wickets at an average of 33.5.
Chloe Tryon’s off-form: Tryon played some very impactful knocks against the West Indies. But, inconsistency has been an issue with her as she is struggling to provide value as an all-rounder.
OPPORTUNITIES
Luus to fill up Niekerk’s shoes: In Niekerk’s absence, Luus is an ideal like-for-like candidate to replace her. She can bat well, bowls leg-breaks, and is a pretty good leader.
THREATS
Performing as a unit: There is plenty of reliance on 2-3 players to deliver. The pressure is more in Niekerk's absence and the last thing South Africa would want is another key player getting injured or struggling to find form.
KEY PLAYERS
Marizanne Kapp: One of the best fast bowlers and the first South African to take a hat-trick in WT20Is. She can turn any game towards her team with her all-round ability.
Laura Wolvaardt: This classy opener is SA’s youngest to score a century in ODIs. In the recently concluded series against WI, she scored a century as well. Her form at the top will be a key.
Lizelle Lee: The explosive opener has been the best for them in the last 4-5 years. Last year she was the highest run-scorer in the ODIs and also won the ODI Player of the Year award.
Shabnim Ismail: One of the quickest fast bowlers in world cricket, bowls at 120+ kph. All-time highest wicket-taker for SA.
Mignon du Preez: Former captain has been the most dependable batter for South Africa for a decade. She has transformed her batting quite well and adapted the aggressive approach in recent times. She will play a pivotal role in the middle-order.
Sune Luus: She is the only player in Women’s Cricket who has taken two 6-wicket-hauls in ODIs. One of her 6-fers came against New Zealand at Hamilton which is where the same two teams will be meeting again. This World Cup will be one of the most important assignments in her career.
Ayabonga Khaka: Khaka slips under the radar in the presence of Kapp & Ismail. But, she was the key behind South Africa’s win against the Windies recently.
Likely starting XI: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus (C), Lara Goodall, Mignon du Preez, Chloe Tryon (Vc), Trisha Chetty (WK), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
*For the complete schedule of the World Cup, check out the Schedule section of our page, Cricket Queens. World Cup Fixtures
World Cup 2022 | Team South Africa | Complete Squad Analysis | SWOT
Written By: Ritwika Dhar
Date: 26-02-2022
Picture Courtesy: Cricket Queens
BRIEF HISTORY
- 2-times World Cup Semi-finalists (World Cup 2000 in New Zealand and the last time in World Cup 2017 in England)
- South Africa’s regular captain Dane van Niekerk who got injured before this World Cup and couldn’t be part of the squad this time, took a record 4-wicket haul without conceding a run against West Indies in the last World Cup.
- In their 1st appearance in the World Cup 1997 that was held in India, they made it to the Quarter-finals.
Previous World Cup Appearances: 1997, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017
Best Finish: Semi-finalist - 2000 and 2017
CURRENT FORM
- Won all their bilateral series in 2021
- Finished at the 3rd position in ICC Championship 2017-2020
- Won the recently concluded bilateral series against West Indies by 2-1
SQUAD
STRENGTHS
Lethal pace attack: South Africa has a pace attack to be in envy of. They have Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail leading the pack and are supported by Ayabonga Khaka (who became only the 3rd pacer to bag a 5-fer in ODIs for South Africa).
Winning momentum they have now for 2 years: South Africa have been on a role. They have played 20 ODIs since 2020 and have lost just 1 of them.
One of the best opening pairs: With Lizelle Lee back in the side, South Africa will now be having Laura Wolvaardt and Lee back again as openers. This is one formidable opening pair with Lee providing power, and Wolvaardt providing stability.
WEAKNESSES
Masabata Klaas’ lack of wickets: South Africa’s pace attack is firing, but Klaas hasn’t been one of them. In 50 innings, she has managed to pick only 44 wickets. Her struggle has been a little bit more in the last two years as she has picked 6 wickets at an average of 33.5.
Chloe Tryon’s off-form: Tryon played some very impactful knocks against the West Indies. But, inconsistency has been an issue with her as she is struggling to provide value as an all-rounder.
OPPORTUNITIES
Luus to fill up Niekerk’s shoes: In Niekerk’s absence, Luus is an ideal like-for-like candidate to replace her. She can bat well, bowls leg-breaks, and is a pretty good leader.
THREATS
Performing as a unit: There is plenty of reliance on 2-3 players to deliver. The pressure is more in Niekerk's absence and the last thing South Africa would want is another key player getting injured or struggling to find form.
KEY PLAYERS
Marizanne Kapp: One of the best fast bowlers and the first South African to take a hat-trick in WT20Is. She can turn any game towards her team with her all-round ability.
Laura Wolvaardt: This classy opener is SA’s youngest to score a century in ODIs. In the recently concluded series against WI, she scored a century as well. Her form at the top will be a key.
Lizelle Lee: The explosive opener has been the best for them in the last 4-5 years. Last year she was the highest run-scorer in the ODIs and also won the ODI Player of the Year award.
Shabnim Ismail: One of the quickest fast bowlers in world cricket, bowls at 120+ kph. All-time highest wicket-taker for SA.
Mignon du Preez: Former captain has been the most dependable batter for South Africa for a decade. She has transformed her batting quite well and adapted the aggressive approach in recent times. She will play a pivotal role in the middle-order.
Sune Luus: She is the only player in Women’s Cricket who has taken two 6-wicket-hauls in ODIs. One of her 6-fers came against New Zealand at Hamilton which is where the same two teams will be meeting again. This World Cup will be one of the most important assignments in her career.
Ayabonga Khaka: Khaka slips under the radar in the presence of Kapp & Ismail. But, she was the key behind South Africa’s win against the Windies recently.
Likely starting XI: Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus (C), Lara Goodall, Mignon du Preez, Chloe Tryon (Vc), Trisha Chetty (WK), Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
*For the complete schedule of the World Cup, check out the Schedule section of our page, Cricket Queens. World Cup Fixtures