T20 World Cup 2026: Strongest South Africa playing XI
Within just 3 days, the 10th edition of the T20 World Cup is set to commence. On January 7, the opening match of the tournament will be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Last time, the tournament was organised in the USA & West Indies, where India finally ended their 11-year drought of winning an ICC title. However, the losing side was South Africa, which choked again as usual. They lost the finals in a title-winning position. While chasing 177, they were at once 147/4 after 15 overs. They needed just 30 runs in 30 balls. But they lost the golden opportunity to clinch the title by 7 runs.
Well, once again, they will have another opportunity to complete their unfinished business in the upcoming event, and under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, this time the Proteas definitely want to clinch their maiden T20 World Cup title at any cost.
The Proteas have announced a balanced squad for the World Cup, featuring a mix of experienced and young players. The team includes seasoned players like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Aiden Markram, and David Miller, alongside promising youngsters such as Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Tristan Stubbs, who could play a crucial role in helping South Africa win this World Cup.
The South Africa team looks quite strong on paper, and they might have to do some brainstorming to finalise their playing XI. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton will open the innings. Skipper Aiden Markram will bat at 3. Following them in the middle order will be batsmen like Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller. The team's bowling attack will be led by fast bowlers like Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi. In the spin department, Keshav Maharaj will play a crucial role, and he might be supported by George Linde & Aiden Markram himself.
Corbin Bosch and George Linde are two excellent all-rounders who could be included in the team depending on the venue. Meanwhile, young batter Jason Smith and fast bowler Kwena Mphaka complete the team squad, both of whom have been in good form recently. Recently, they defeated the West Indies 2-1 in a 3-match T20I series. Aiden Markram & side are kept in group D along with New Zealand, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada.
The Proteas will start their campaign against Canada on February 9, followed by Afghanistan on February 11, New Zealand on February 14 and the UAE on February 18. If Aiden Markram & co. will play to their potential, they should be in the top 4. However, Group D is the toughest group of this World Cup edition. To reach the second round - Super 8, they will have to defeat either Afghanistan or New Zealand and also secure victories against the UAE and Canada.
Strongest South Africa Playing XI
Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Aiden Markram ©, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi/Anrich Nortje
