South Africa vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2024 Match 31

Mighty South Africa targets four in four as they take on Asian rookie Nepal in the Group D match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent on June 15 at 05:00 AM IST. Sandeep Lamichhane stands in their way of doing so. This is the first time South Africa and Nepal will face each other in an international match, with both teams positioned at opposite ends of the group's points table. After winning their first three matches of the tournament in New York, the South African cricket team has advanced to the Super 8 stage of the competition. Meanwhile, Nepal suffered a defeat in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the Netherlands in Dallas. They had to endure a washout without a ball being bowled against Sri Lanka in Lauderhill.

Mighty South Africa targets four in four against Nepal

South Africa has qualified for the Super Eight stage after the Nepal-Sri Lanka washout, but they would have likely made it there anyway. They have won all three of their group matches so far and are looking like one of the strongest title contenders of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Nepal has yet to win a match and has only played one full game, but they might feel they have already enjoyed some success. A massive crowd of 7000 supporters in Dallas cheered on Nepal during their opening game against the Netherlands.

Nepal batters crumbled under pressure from the Netherlands' seamers, which is not a positive sign when facing South Africa, whose fast bowlers have been exceptional. South Africa successfully navigated the challenges posed by Nassau County's unpredictable pitch and slow outfield, securing victories against Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Another victory over Nepal at Arnos Vale on Saturday would send a clear-cut warning to the remaining teams that have qualified for the Super Eights. But for that, they have to go past Nepal's best player, Sandeep Lamichhane. 

Nepal's very own 'mystery spinner' has yet to play in the tournament because he was denied a United States visa, and the team's first two matches were in Dallas and Lauderhill. Whether Lamichhane's conviction and subsequent acquittal for rape in Nepal was the reason for such a decision has not been disclosed by the US government. But his lack of game time since November is likely to have an impact on Nepal's chances. However, anything except a dominating win by South Africa will raise concerns that they are not as prepared for the crucial stage of the tournament as they would like.

SA vs NEP Match 31: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent Weather and Pitch Report

Like Eisenhower Park, this area is also relatively unknown due to the lack of cricket matches. Only two men's T20Is had been played at this ground before the tournament, and the pitches were relayed before Thursday's T20 World Cup 2024 game between Bangladesh and the Netherlands. Thus, the likely conditions remain mostly a mystery. However, based on the Bangladesh-Netherlands game, the surface is conducive for run-scoring and could offer a change from what South Africa experienced in New York. There are 58-meter boundaries on one side of the ground, which is perfect for the big hitters to entertain cricket fans worldwide. There's little chance of rain to interrupt the match. The weather is expected to be humid, sunny, and slightly windy during the game.

Predicted South Africa Playing XI

The mighty South Africans will most likely field what they believe is their best XI. The Proteas coach, Rob Walter, emphasized that the top three batsmen will be given the opportunity to score runs. Any changes to the bowling attack will be based on the playing conditions. Having secured their spot in the Super Eights, Aiden Markram's team should feel more relaxed and play an aggressive style of cricket. South Africa's skilful fast bowlers are capable of overpowering the Nepal cricket team in super quick time.

SA Playing XI

Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman

Aiden Markram (C), Ottniel Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (WK), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

Predicted Nepal Playing XI

Nepal may need to drop someone to accommodate Sandeep Lamichhane if he is available for selection. Left-arm spinner Sagar Dhakal, who was economical but went wicketless against Netherlands, could be the unfortunate player. Sandeep Lamichhane's first appearance in the tournament could significantly strengthen the team. Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee might be Nepal's best choices to counter South Africa.

NEP Playing XI

Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Anil Sah, Rohit Paudel (C), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Abinash Bohara

Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee.