The Proteas take on Bangladesh in Sydney on Thursday, with both teams zoned in on victory and hoping the rain stays away.

The Proteas’ campaign in the T20WC has started off in rather familiar fashion, and not for very good reasons.

Despite a cantering start in what could’ve been a swift chase, inclement weather forced the abandonment of the opening fixture against Zimbabwe. This may have been an opportunity to start off on a high, but then again, there are four very crucial games to go, and that’s where the focus will lie. Positives included a decent effort with the ball and a discernible return to form for Quinton de Kock, who smashed a fantastic 47 from 18, studded with 8 fours and a six.

Bangladesh defeated the Netherlands in their tournament opener, and they’re up and running. And not to mention, they’ve had their time in the sun against South Africa, namely an away ODI series win. This will be a chance for the Tigers to prove a point despite the fact that T20 hasn’t been their strongest format for a while. With that being said, they have been proactive in terms of selection and their pace attack has made progress. In addition, there’s plenty of talent coming through, with youngsters raring to take the initiative whenever presented with game time.

Under the spotlight

2022 has been a year to savour for Rilee Rossouw. He earned a well-deserved second chance at international cricket, and played two of his best T20I innings – 96* against England and 100* against India not too long ago. He also has some experience from the BBL, when he played for the Melbourne Renegades. Top that off with a breathtaking half-century in the warm-up game against New Zealand, and there’s a guy in form who’s ready to feast on opposition bowling units.

Afif Hossain has been a fantastic find for the Bangladeshis. The hard-hitting left-hander has been crucial to their success in white-ball cricket, and he’s shown his power game on multiple occasions. He’s able to bowl some useful offspin, too, but that may or may not be needed depending on what might be in store. When the team need the late-innings impetus, they know who to count on.

Potential XI’s

Given that the SCG is more conducive to spin, the Proteas might look to accommodate Tabraiz Shamsi. One of the seamers will have to be switched out to make room.

Bavuma [c], de Kock [wk], Rossouw, Markram, Miller, Stubbs, Parnell, Maharaj, Rabada, Ngidi, Shamsi

Bangladesh probably won’t make any changes to their XI, given their excellent batting depth and spin options.

Soumya, Najmul, Litton, Shakib [c], Afif, Yasir, Nurul [wk], Mosaddek, Taskin, Hasan, Mustafizur

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