FANTASY PREVIEW
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United States: NR L W W L
South Africa: W W W W L
Head to Head
The two teams have never played a T20I against each other.
Venue Details
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
Average first innings score: 90 (three non rain-affected games in this T20WC)
Bat first / Bat second split: Team chasing has won 3 of the 4 games at this venue in this T20WC
Highest second-innings scores at the venue (in this T20WC): 153/3 (SCO vs OMA), 84/3 (NAM vs ENG, 10-over game), 74/1 (AUS vs NAM)
Pace vs spin split: Average 19.5 vs 19.2, Economy 7.9 vs 8.2, Percentage of wickets 68.4% vs 31.6%
Weather conditions
It’s been a wet week in Antigua, with the island witnessing plenty of rain in the past five days or so. Three days ago, the Antigua weather nearly knocked England out of the T20 World Cup. To the USA and South Africa’s dismay, there is some rain expected on June 19 (Wednesday). There is a 25% chance of rain on Wednesday according to Accuweather. We could have some showers in the morning. It’ll likely be a cloudy day, so seamers should have a field day out.
Players to watch out for
Tristan Stubbs: After an unimpressive start to the competition, Stubbs is slowly starting to play to his potential in this T20WC, with two of his last three scores reading 27* and 33 in extremely challenging conditions. South Africa, in their last encounter, beat Nepal by 1 run and it was Stubbs’ cameo (27* off 18) that ended up proving decisive in the end.
In this T20WC, USA’s economy in overs 11-20 is 9.4 compared to 6.6 in the first 10 overs; their bowlers have tended to falter once the ball has gotten older. Should this trend continue, somebody like Stubbs could really make them pay.
Saurabh Netravalkar: He nearly bowled USA to a shock victory over India a few days ago, and he will once again be the co-hosts’ x-factor come the clash against South Africa on June 19. That’s right, Netravalkar has been on a tear in this T20WC, having taken his wickets at an average of 15.2 and economy of 5.2. These numbers further improve to 10.7 / 4.6 in the powerplay. He will certainly fancy his chances against a very vulnerable South African top-order, which is averaging 10.8 with the bat in this T20WC.
Ottniel Baartman: In these conditions, count Ottniel Baartman out at your own peril. The newcomer, so far, has had only one game in which he’s maintained an E.R over 5.00. So far this T20WC, he’s bowled 16 overs at an economy of 4.2. The deviation he usually gets off the seam could prove to be lethal against a USA batting line-up that is still very much inexperienced, despite its stellar showing in this competition.
Key Battles
South Africa’s spinners vs USA batters
So far this T20WC, South Africa’s spinners have maintained an economy of just 5.6, which is the third-best among 20 teams in the competition. Both Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi have been nothing short of exceptional. But on June 19, they will be up against a belligerent USA batting unit that will be looking to go after them. 40 games into this T20WC, USA’s batters have the best average (81) and strike rate (184.1) against spin. They’ve taken down every spinner that’s come their way, including Shadab Khan and Axar Patel. This particular battle could end up shaping the contest.
Cricket.com’s suggested Fantasy XI
Probable playing XI
United States: Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir, Andries Gous (wk), Aaron Jones (c), Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Jasdeep Singh, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman
Streaming and Telecast details
The match will begin at 8 PM IST on June 19 (Wednesday) and will be streamed and telecast on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports.
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