Image Credit- AFP
It is now the Super Eight.
The eight top teams received predetermined seedings from the ICC prior to the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pakistan was given A2. The times of the matches were chosen taking into account Pakistan’s and the subcontinent’s prime times. However, Pakistan was dealt a crippling blow by the United States in their opening game, and the tournament hasn’t been the same since.
In their inaugural T20 World Cup, the USA are now ranked A2, and they will take on South Africa to begin the Super Eight stage. Both sides would hope for two things as they travel to North Sound in Antigua—the USA isn’t exactly at home anymore, note—better batting conditions and the absence of rain.
South Africa has an all-win record going into the Super Eight stage. But, following their victory over Sri Lanka in the opening encounter, anything could have happened. They lost to Bangladesh by four runs, barely managed to win by one run against Nepal, and found themselves at 12 for 4 while chasing 104 against the Netherlands.
This World Cup, South Africa has lost 11 wickets and is averaging a pitiful 9.63 in the powerplay, which is third-lowest behind Papua New Guinea and Uganda. Additionally, in the first six overs, none of their top-order hitters have a strike rate of 100.
That being said, three of South Africa’s four games were played in New York, which had less than optimal batting conditions. And they will hope that the top order can finally show off their might in North Sound, preferably with better circumstances.
After playing 12 straight home games (two of which were postponed), the USA will be hoping that the fairy tale will continue while they are abroad. In the first game against Canada, they demonstrated their batting prowess, and in the second, they held Pakistan to a passable score. They had the opposition’s top order in some early conflict, even against India.
Players like Monank Patel, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Aaron Jones have demonstrated that they belong at this level of cricket. It’s time for them to try again and eliminate another Full Member.