Continuing with our ICC T20 WC 2024 story, we bring to you an in-depth analysis of the teams who have qualified for the Super 8 round of the marquee event and are placed in Group 2. We have already shared an analysis story on the qualifying teams in Group 1. Let’s begin introspecting!
Teams Placed in Group 2 of Super 8 in ICC T20 WC 2024
- South Africa
- England
- West Indies
- United States of America (USA)
South Africa Top Group D in ICC T20 WC 2024
Strengths
Their greatest strength in the tournament has been their fast bowlers who were relentless with their line and lengths to trouble the opposition batters. The likes of Rabada, Nortje, Jansen and Baartman proved menacing for Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Netherlands and Nepal. They have been economical as well as attacking, which has made them a brutal force so far in the tournament.
Weakness
The batting hasn’t clicked so far as the likes of Quinton De Kock, Aiden Markram, Rizza Hendricks and Henrich Klaasen are struggling for runs. Even when made to chase modest totals against Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, South African batters struggled badly. In fact, if not for David Miller’s batting heroics, South Africa would have conceded three straight losses to the Netherlands in the ICC tournament. His knock ensured South Africa didn’t have to face another embarrassing defeat, which they received at the hands of the Netherlands in ICC T20 WC 2022 and ICC CWC 2023.
Even in their last fixture against minnows Nepal, South Africa could only score 114 batting first. At one point, it looked like Nepal would overhaul the total. But Baartman held the nerve in the last over and produced a thrilling 1-run victory for the Proteas.
South Africa will have to hit the top batting gear in their Super 8 fixtures of the ICC T20 WC 2024.
England Need to Up the Ante in Super 8 of ICC T20 WC 2024
Strengths
England are a batting powerhouse; they mean no bounds when it comes to putting the opposition bowlers to the sword. They have inherited this aggressive brand of cricket from their 50-over WC-winning captain Eoin Morgan. From Jos Buttler to Liam Livingstone and from Johnny Bairstow to Sam Curran, every English batter is capable of hitting the ball out of the park. They are surely the team to watch out for in the Super 8 round of ICC T20 WC 2024.
Weaknesses
The weakness has been their too much emphasis on batting, which has lessened their focus on bowling. Although they have Jofra Archer in their ranks, they largely lack the teeth in their bowling attack. Teams up against England would like to maximise on this front.
Hosts West Indies Would Like to Maintain the Tempo
Strengths
Hosts West Indies are now a serious contender for the ICC T20 WC 2024 by recording three straight wins, including the one against New Zealand. They have one more game against Afghanistan before moving to Super 8. Their strength lies in a changed mindset post the changes induced in WI cricket after a humiliating exclusion from the 50-over cricket World Cup held in India last year. The changes have transpired renewed hopes in the Caribbean team and translated into their on-field performances.
Weaknesses
The batting crumbled against a strong bowling unit of New Zealand. West Indies had lost about seven wickets for less than 80 before the late-order batters combined to take them to a match-winning score of 149. On an uneven surface, they lack the experience and craft to manipulate the ball around. Their tendency to go hard at the bowlers no matter what brings them laurels and failures in equal measure. Someone like Nicholas Pooran, who is now an experienced campaigner, should lead the way by adopting a mix of caution and aggression when being made to play on a two-paced track.
United States of America – The Surprise Package of ICC T20 WC 2024
Strengths
The more we appreciate the United States of America (USA) for their performances in round 1 of the ICC T20 WC 2024, the lesser. They have been spectacular on the field with both bat and ball so far. They created an upset by beating Pakistan in the Super Over, followed by a clinical win over Canada. USA gave India a torrid time too by making the Rohit Sharma-led outfit sweat for runs in a modest chase of 115. It goes to show their immense preparedness for the tournament. They might spring a surprise or two in the Super 8 round. Fingers Crossed!
Weaknesses
The lack of experience and genuine fast bowlers are the only shortcomings of this USA outfit. Now as the tournament approaches Super 8, the quality of cricket will rise. USA will have to contend with three strong teams – South Africa, West Indies and England – in the Super 8 round. They will have to stop basking in the old glory by focusing even harder now and making it to the semis.
Wrapping Up
The Super 8 round of qualifying teams in Group 2 of the ICC T20 WC 2024 promises to deliver exciting cricket, packed with entertainment, thrilling finishes and the madness that follows. Stay tuned to zarooribaathai.in for more updates on T20 WC 2024 and other important matters.
