The second match of this T20I Tri-Series is going to be a clash between two major cricketing nations, New Zealand and South Africa. As this match will once again take place in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Black Caps are officially playing their first of four matches against a squad they haven’t recently faced in short-format cricket.
With the last time being in 2016, this New Zealand side did play another ODI tri-series against them earlier this year, where they prevailed. There is hope among the New Zealand camp that their ODI success can translate to the T20I format, and they could pull off some great performances during this tournament with a new-look roster. As Mitchell Santner will captain this side, he’s shown great potential to always push his team into the finals and motivate them in a friendly manner.
As New Zealand is coming off a 4-1 T20I series victory against Pakistan, their opponents in South Africa will be playing their second group stage match of this tournament. After beating Zimbabwe by 5 wickets during the inaugural match, their depth showed a lot of potential and the ability to go toe-to-toe with any team.
Looking as a squad that may have found light in this format, despite struggling in T20Is prior to this, it will be up to head coach Shukri Conrad to change their name. Already having done it by winning the World Test Championship, he will have a world full of confidence for Rassie Van der Dussen, as the 36-year-old showed prowess to take them out of a tough situation last match.
South Africa’s Top Order Is Going To Bounce Back
Despite struggling early in the first match against Zimbabwe and being 38/3 within their powerplay, this unit has proved that they aren’t always like this. Reeza Hendricks should come out with more command during the second match and really get this team cruising through these first six overs. As someone who’s been super accomplished in T20Is, he has still hit 2,282 runs in just 78 innings and was also a massive part of their World Cup success last year.
On the other end, Lhaun-Dre Pretorious may have gotten out on a clean duck, but that will not likely happen again since he’s another batsman that had absolutely been demolishing bowlers during SA20.
Talking about the captain Rassie Van der Dussen, he seemed like his stroke form was in great touch last match before unfortunately getting out. But now putting that to the side, and a score of 16, this is still a player who averages 33.50 runs per innings in T20Is. With many fans already seeing what Rubin Hermann could be after his 40+ knock last match, there will be another controlled performance like that out of his bat again and help middle-order batsmen play their quick-fire style.
If this top order can really play to their full potential, it will really help people like Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis, 191.66 strike rate in T20Is, face less pressure, plus run up the scoreboard even more.
Proteas’ Bowling Attack Will Continue Asserting Economic Dominance
When many believed that South Africa’s bowling unit could be a problem for them prior to this series, they proved all doubters wrong and had a magnificent first game against Zimbabwe. Trying to replicate that against the Black Caps, one major piece for them will remain Lungi Ngidi. After finishing his full quota in the match prior, only leaking 15 runs, he will try to continue delivering at his classic 140 km/hr pace and produce massive wickets.
On the other side, Nandre Burger shocked many with his first match performance, since this was someone who used to go for economies of 8 to 9 before. Now knowing he has the potential to keep it below 6, both bowlers can come from either end and have a lasting impact in the powerplay.
Meanwhile, although South Africa didn’t play Senuran Muthuswamy, his replacement in Nqaba Peter, also bowled without allowing too many runs and showed how many options this unit actually has. Also picking up a massive wicket, his experience will once again be a huge key in this matchup.
Lastly, the biggest name of them all was George Linde, who seemed like a one-man wrecking crew during his spell. Although Corbin Bosch kind of struggled with leaking 36 runs during their first match, this newer bowler had another three-wicket haul and also just gave up 10 runs during his three overs. Looking at this, he is definitely someone who could provide a surprise spark against New Zealand as well.
New Zealand’s All-Rounders Will Carry The Load
Now going into New Zealand, this team’s primary stars are all-rounders and can change the game with either bat or ball. Starting with Rachin Ravindra, although he has struggled with batting in T20Is after scoring just 330+ runs in 26 appearances, there is hope that his prowess will provide more to this top-order since both Kane Williamson plus Finn Allen aren’t there. As a left-handed spinner too, he can be brought into the attack to change things up and help create a potential spell with Mitchell Santner.
Seeing that Captain Santner is one of the most experienced players in this group, he will be a huge help because of his economy being well under 7.50, plus also having taken 120 career wickets in this format. Although he can provide a six or two as well, the real all-around player that many have started fearing on this unit is Michael Bracewell.
A taller bowler who has provided 28 wickets in T20Is for his nation, Michael Bracewell also just recently hit two half-centuries at high strike rates over the past year. Someone who made his debut much later than others, he will continue providing big-hitting ability, while there is another part-time bowler in Daryl Mitchell, whose known for being an extremely explosive batsman. Having hit 8 half-centuries in a short time as well, the last key all-rounder to mention is gun fielder Glenn Philips. Someone who showed a whole highlight reel of unbelievable catches and athletic prowess during the Champions Trophy time, he will also look to cross the 2000 runs mark in T20Is as well.
To sum it up, the all-rounders will have a vital impact in both departments, while helping bowlers like Will O’Rourke plus Matt Henry in spells.
New-Look Batting Lineup Near The Top
Lastly, the top order of this New Zealand unit will look completely different given that Kane Williamson and Finn Allen are both not playing. As we mentioned, Rachin Ravindra, previously, he will be one key piece for this unit up-top with Mark Chapman also being there. As Chapman has delivered two centuries in T20-international, he has proven to bat at a very high strike rate and can really control the powerplay.
If New Zealand moves Daryl Mitchell into the middle-order, New Zealand may consider giving Bevon Jacobs his debut after averaging 32.53 runs per innings in domestic leagues, plus being selected by the Mumbai Indians. The last piece that will play a vital role at the top of this order is Tim Seifert, as he has smashed 1540 runs and shown an AB De Villiers-like 360 batting ability. Seeing this and him replacing Tom Latham’s shoes, it will be interesting to see how he does.
Past Matches(T20I)
New Zealand Won: 0
South Africa Won: 5
Last 5 Matches: South Africa have won the last 5 T20I matches in series, with their last being in 2016/17.
Key Players
South Africa
Lungi Ngidi: Can provide bowling at his similar 140 km/hr pace and at the same length
Dewald Brevis: A big-time hitter who can single-handedly win matches
Rassie Van der Dussen: Captain and someone who can bat with classic drives or go for big shots
Reeza Hendricks: Top opening batsman for the past decade
New Zealand
Rachin Ravindra: Dominant force in all other formats, that’s trying to translate it during T20Is
Michael Bracewell: Top-notch all-rounder who can dominate with both bat plus ball
Mitchell Sataner: A very solid spinner who has been known for wicket-taking
Glenn Philips: One of the best fielders and batsmen of the modern game
Predictions
South Africa Batting 1st: 170-180 runs for the loss of 6 wickets
New Zealand Batting 1st: 165-175 runs for the loss of 5 wickets
South Africa Batting 2nd: Win by 5-6 wickets or lose by 1-2 wickets
New Zealand Batting 2nd: Win by 3-4 wickets or lose by 3-4 wickets
Final Prediction: South Africa wins by 10 runs if batting 1st and 4 wickets if bowling first
Also Read: ZIM vs SA : Wiaan Mulder Reflects On His Unbeaten 367 After Conversation With Brian Lara