SA T20 World Cup: Can Canada upset Proteas?

South Africa opens its T20 World Cup campaign against Canada. Can the Proteas reverse their recent form and start with a win? Key players and team strategies analyzed.

South Africa faces Canada in its T20 World Cup opener on Monday, seeking to improve its recent performance. Since losing the 2024 T20 World Cup final, the Proteas have won just 12 of 32 matches. However, their recent World Test Championship title provides a confidence boost.

Injuries have led to squad changes for South Africa, with Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs replacing Donavan Ferreria and Tony de Zorzi. Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack, and Kagiso Rabada's pace bowling will be crucial on the subcontinent's batting-friendly pitches. Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis are noted batting threats.

Captain Aiden Markram stated the team is not dwelling on past World Cup performances. Canada, meanwhile, has had limited high-quality cricket in the last four months. The team enters its second successive T20 World Cup under new captain Dilpreet Bajwa, having gone unbeaten through regional qualification.

Bajwa expressed pride and confidence in his team's preparation, noting that many players have experience with challenging conditions. Canada's squad includes familiar names like Nicholas Kirton and Saad Bin Zafar, while South Africa boasts a strong lineup including David Miller and Anrich Nortje.

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