The Proteas will bat first in their crucial ICC T20 World Cup clash after Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bowl on Wednesday morning.
Aiden Markram’s team will encounter a three-pronged spin test after Afghanistan included Durban’s Super Giants wrist spinner Noor Ahmad in their line-up to complement Rashid and Mujeeb-ur-Rahman.
The Proteas have also opted to field the extra spinner with allrounder George Linde coming into the starting XI for seamer Corbin Bosch.
It’s a must-win game for Afghanistan after they lost their tournament opener to New Zealand in Chennai over the weekend.
“Fresh wicket and we’re looking forward to chase. Against the big teams in the World Cup, it’s a must-win game for us, need to put in the effort, don’t worry about the result, but just put your energy on the field,” Rashid Khan said.
The Afghanistan spin trio of Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad.
“It’s a home ground, I have played for Gujarat Titans over the years in the IPL. I think this pitch will get better as the game goes on, that’s the reason we’re chasing. A couple of areas where we can improve – batting in the powerplay and we missed our lengths in the previous game. One change, Ziaur Rahmjan misses out, Noor Ahmad is in.”
The Proteas are aiming for their second victory after beating Canada two nights ago at the same venue.
“We would have bowled first as well, quite a bit of moisture, but not a bad thing to bat. Put the runs on the board and apply the pressure. We had a good game against Canada and had a nice workaround. One change for us – we have one change, we’re playing the extra spinner in George Linde, he replaces Corbon Bosch,” said Proteas captain Aiden Markram.
TEAMS
South Africa: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
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