Aakash Chopras cautionary message to South Africa highlights the need for vigilance when facing the United States of America in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 showdown. Drawing parallels with Pakistans situation he underlined the dire consequences awaiting the Proteas should they stumble against the tournament co-hosts.
South Africa is in Group 2 of the current T20 World Cup’s Super 8 stage, along with the United States, England, and the West Indies. On Wednesday, June 19, they will kick off their Super 8 campaign against Monank Patel and company in Antigua.
Aakash Chopra lauded South Africa’s perfect record in the preliminary group round in a video posted on his YouTube account. However, the former India opener pointed out that Aiden Markram’s squad cannot afford to lose to the USA.
“Since South Africa were in Group D, they have reached here after playing matches in the USA, so they didn’t get good conditions. However, the truth is that the team has played incredibly well. They didn’t lose even a single game. It’s a different story that they survived when they were about to lose against Nepal. They have played very well on the back of their bowling might.”
“They do have a very good team. Although I feel they might not qualify for the semi-finals, it will be mandatory to win this game because this is your potential banana skin. You have to win at least one game against either England or the West Indies, it’s great if you win both, but you cannot lose to the USA. You can ask Pakistan about what happens if you lose to the USA.”
Aakash Chopra
In South Africa’s first four games, David Miller (101), Tristan Stubbs (73), and Heinrich Klaasen (72) scored the most runs. While Anrich Nortje (9) has taken the most wickets, Tabraiz Shamsi has four dismissals in his lone game.
“No one expected them to reach here but they have done that job” – Aakash Chopra on the USA
Speaking on the United States of America, Aakash Chopra stated that they had outperformed most people’s expectations.
“The USA have done a very good job thus far. In fact, they have qualified for the next T20 World Cup as well. They would have come with expectation and confidence but no one expected them to reach here but they have done that job.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator has named Monank Patel, Aaron Jones, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, and Steven Taylor as players to watch out for against South Africa.
“Who are their main players? Monank Patel is their captain, who is playing very well. Some of Aaron Jones’ innings have been extremely beautiful. The way he destroyed Canada was beautiful. Saurabh Netravalkar has been very good. Ali Khan bowls very well. Everyone remembers Steven Taylor’s catch but he also bats very well. So they do have a decent team.”
Aakash Chopra
The top three run scorers in the United States are Jones (141), Andries Gous (102) and Patel (66). Netravalkar (4) has taken their most wickets, with Khan and Nosthush Kenjige each dismissing three players.