Opener Brian Bennett has been one of Zimbabwe's standout performers at the T20 World Cup.
Image: AFP
The Proteas are set to take on Zimbabwe at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Sunday for their third and final Super Eights fixture of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Ongama Gcwabe selects five players to watch in the all-African contest contest.
Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett has been in superb form in the tournament thus far. The 22-year-old has smashed three half-centuries in the competition: an unbeaten 63 against Australia, 64 not out against Sri Lanka, and 97 not out against India earlier this week.
There is a calm about the youngster and a quiet confidence that tends to neutralise some of the best bowlers in the world. Bennett isn't phased by names or statistics; he has faced the likes of India’s Jasprit Bumrah by simply playing his natural game. As an opening batsman, the right-handed Bennett will be one to watch against South Africa in Delhi.
The rise of this quick is something the whole world should study, considering he did not take cricket seriously until his late teens. The 29-year-old now possesses an Indian Premier League winner’s medal, having won it with Royal Challengers Bangalore last season. He has also featured in top T20 leagues globally, including the Pakistan Super League.
Tall in stature, Muzarabani is a lethal fast bowler who has used his height to great advantage in this World Cup. With figures of 3/16, 4/17, 2/38, 2/42, and 1/43, his class has helped Zimbabwe register vital victories over Australia and Sri Lanka to reach the Super Eights.
The Proteas' opening batsman is due a magical knock. He hasn't been in poor form by any means — his 24-ball 47 against the West Indies on Thursday proved he is still in good touch — but there have been innings, such as his six off seven balls against India, where he struggled for rhythm.
Heading into the Zimbabwe match, De Kock will look to find momentum in time for the semi-finals and help the Proteas reach the final for the second time in their history.
Ngidi has been South Africa’s standout bowler in the tournament. Whether in the initial powerplay with the new ball, the middle overs, or at the death, Ngidi has been exceptionally effective. His returns back this up; he currently sits third among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers with 11 scalps.
His slower deliveries have been incredibly difficult for opposition batsmen to detect — a skill that allowed him to enjoy immense success against India, where he did not concede a single boundary.
There are very few newcomers in international cricket who have impressed quite like Corbin Bosch over the last 18 months. Across all formats, the all-rounder has been exceptional. With the ball, he clocks speeds in the late 140s (km/h) and can hit a long ball with the bat as well.
Thus far, Bosch has taken nine wickets in the tournament, including a Player of the Match performance of 3/12 against the United Arab Emirates. The clash against Zimbabwe is a prime opportunity for Bosch to continue his rich vein of form ahead of the semi-finals.