Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has predicted that South Africa could go on to win the ongoing T20 World Cup if they beat Afghanistan in the semifinal. The Proteas have been unbeaten so far in the tournament and will want to win the next two matches to end their major ICC title jinx.
South Africa has won some close matches in the tournament as they have kept their nerves in the crunch situations of the big matches. The Rainbow Nation has come up with a collective show with both bat and ball and they have been electric in the field.
Hogg reckons Heinrich Klaasen, who has a potent game against the spinners, will hold the key for South Africa against Afghanistan.
“They are just spawning from here. It’s amazing. I regard Hendricks as well, I really like him as a player. And then you’ve got to build a wall, they can build a nice spin. Especially with Klassen. I expect him to do really well against Afghanistan and get to the finals,” Hogg said in the Star Sports Press Room Show.
Hogg feels Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will hold the key for the Proteas. Maharaj has scalped nine wickets in six matches at an average of 16.22 and an impressive economy rate of 6.08 whereas Shamsi has bagged eight wickets in three games at an average of 12.
“I think it is going to be South Africa and they have got a really strong squad, good spin with Shamsi and Maharaj. I don’t plan on the big nations now, and I think they’ll have to go out there and play it out again instead and just have that confidence to go with the final side. For me, if I get past that semi-final right, South Africa is going to win the final this year,” Hogg added.
The former chinaman spinner also lauded Aiden Markram’s captaincy, who has led with a calm head on his shoulders.
“I just think they have got the team balanced and they’ve got the aggression as well. They have got that kindness. I really like Markram as the captain. He is correct and very composed. And I also think, we are going to win as a very well-composed team, not panicking and just setting the right conditions.”
South Africa will face Afghanistan in the first semifinal at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad on Wednesday.
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