T20 WC: Markram, de Kock key for South Africa vs red-hot West Indies

South Africa aims to continue their unbeaten T20 World Cup run against West Indies, with skipper Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock crucial for their success. A Proteas win would also improve India's chances of reaching the semifinals.

As South Africa aim to continue their unbeaten run in the ongoing T20 World Cup, their top-orders, skipper Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock, will be the key to success against a red-hot West Indies.

High Stakes for Proteas and Team India

Not only South Africa will be aiming to continue their winning run in T20 WC to help their bid for maiden white-ball world title win on Indian soil, but a Proteas win would make the route to semifinals a little more easier for Team India, whose fortunes in the tournament took a massive dent with a loss to them at Ahmedabad by 76 runs.

The Indian audience, who has showered their love and admiration on several South African cricket icons over the years. They would be hoping that De Kock and Markram, two extremely flashy strokemakers and fan favourites, continue their fine run against West Indies in T20Is.

Spotlight on Key Performers

In 15 T20Is against West Indies, de Kock has made 642 runs at an average of 42.80, with a strike rate of over 160, including two centuries and three fifties and best score of 115.

In 14 matches, Markram has scored 425 runs at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of almost 158, with three fifties and best score of 86*.

While Markram is the calm, smooth operator with silky smooth cover drives, cuts and aerial hits in his repertoire, de Kock is an in-and-out assassin, with each swing of his bat threatening to split the cricket ball in half. This pair of ice and fire will be crucial to Proteas' success against WI.

Squads

South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, Jason Smith. (ANI)

West Indies Squad: Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Roston Chase, Johnson Charles. (ANI)

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