Despite winning all eight matches in this year’s T20 World Cup, the Proteas are still not considered favorites against India in the final.
South Africa is the only team in the tournament with a 100 percent winning record. India’s match against Canada was abandoned before a ball was bowled, resulting in a draw. Rohit Sharma’s men have convincingly dominated teams in the tournament by scoring big and taking wickets.
Proteas v India in T20 World Cup final
The Proteas, on the other hand, have surpassed expectations by reaching the finals. Although they won all eight matches, more than half of them were closely contested and could have gone either way. Credit to Aiden Markram and the team for keeping their composure during tense and pressure-filled moments in tight matches. This is the first time a South African men’s cricket team has reached a final at a senior World Cup tournament.
So, how can the Proteas defeat India and claim the World Cup?
Bat First
The toss will be crucial. If the Proteas win the toss, they should elect to bat first. South Africa has historically struggled while chasing in big tournaments, even though that trend has changed in this tournament. The Proteas batted second in four games and won all of them, but none of the opposing teams posted a challenging score to the South African batters. If India posts a score of 160 or more, it might prove too much for the Proteas.
Openers should step up for South Africa
Should the SA bat first, Quinton de Kock needs to make a significant contribution. If the opening pair puts on a 50-plus score in the opening powerplay, it will become easier for the likes of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller to capitalise towards the end of the innings.
Get Rid of Sharma Early
Whether batting first or second, India has the most explosive batting lineup in the world. If the Proteas are to win the World Cup against India, they need to dismiss Rohit Sharma before the third over. If the Indian captain manages to bat until the powerplay, it will be extremely challenging for the Proteas. In six overs, he alone can score 40 or 50 runs if he faces half of the 36 balls. Suryakumar Yadav is another dangerous batsman who should be neutralized if he gets to bat.
Proteas play maiden World Cup final
Attack the Indian Spinners
Unlike India, the Proteas struggle against spin, especially in World Cup matches. If Jasprit Bumrah fails to find his rhythm early and spinners are introduced, South Africa needs to make the most of it and not allow Ravindra Jadeja to settle.
