At the last T20 World Cup, the question was “Klaasen or Stubbs?” However, that has changed over the last few months. Both have been in such formidable form that the idea of having both in your side is intimidating. However, domestic form doesn’t always translate to international performance.
Both Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen will have a point to prove at the T20 World Cup, and their success could put South Africa in a strong position. South Africa’s group seems easy on paper, but history has shown that paper predictions often mean little, especially in a World Cup. The South Africans lost to the Netherlands at the last T20 World Cup, a match where Tristan Stubbs was dropped for Heinrich Klaasen.
As far as T20 World Cups are concerned, Stubbs and Klaasen will be looking to make a significant impact for the Proteas. If they do, the Proteas will be very difficult to beat. These two are currently among the deadliest batters in world cricket. Nonetheless, excelling against bowlers in the SA20 and the IPL doesn’t guarantee similar success against the higher standard of international bowlers.
Tristan Stubbs has played three T20 World Cup innings with minimal impact, scoring just 31 runs at a strike rate of 100. Heinrich Klaasen, on the other hand, has also played three T20 World Cup innings, scoring just 49 runs at a below-average strike rate of 122. However, both players have transformed since then. They were among the top performers in the second edition of the SA20 and have shown their dangerous capabilities in the current IPL. A major concern for South Africa’s batting lineup will be deciding who bats where. David Miller, the most experienced in the group and one of three left-handers in the squad, doesn’t necessarily start aggressively but has the ability to do so. However, Stubbs and Klaasen have shown they can attack from the start. Will Coach Rob Walter place Miller at 4, assuming Aiden, as captain, will bat at 3, or will he opt for Klaasen or Stubbs at 4 with Miller coming in lower?
I would position David Miller at 5, between Klaasen and Stubbs, though this would also depend on the match situation. Miller has proven his worth in significant matches, and his experience is invaluable, so it would not be ideal for him to bat too low. Stubbs, currently one of the most dangerous batters in death overs, batting at 6 might not be a bad idea.
With all that being said, Coach Walter has his work cut out for him in making the right calls. He has assembled a squad that could potentially win a World Cup, but much depends heavily on the team selection on the day. His decisions could very well determine the team’s success. He has three batters vying for two spots at the top: two left-handed wicket-keeper batters—one in excellent form and the other not so much—and a right-hand top-order batter, who hasn’t been in great form recently but has performed for the Proteas. These batters are Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, and Reeza Hendricks. Rob might be tempted to lean towards Quinton’s experience over someone like Ryan Rickelton, a decision I would disagree with based solely on Quinton’s recent form. In almost every T20 league he has played in, he has failed to make a notable impact. The team will not lack experience, even if Quinton misses out.
South Africa has a formidable team, and if every individual hits form at the right time, they will easily be one of the teams to beat. While the batting lineup currently looks stronger than the bowling attack, one can only hope that by the time the World Cup starts, the South African bowlers will already be in top form.
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