Key factors for SA as they prepare for West Indies in T20 World Cup Super 8 clash

SOUTH Africa’s dismantling of India has positioned them strongly in Group 1. They now have to put that win behind them as the challenge now shifts to West Indies in Ahmedabad. And the Proteas know they will need to be switched on for this clash.

The Windies opened their Super Eights campaign by thrashing Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Mumbai, posting 254/6 – the second highest total in the history of the tournament — before sealing victory.

So before a ball is bowled, it’s obvious that the opposition is different, and therefore the demands will be too.

Here are five factors that the Proteas, no doubt, have already factored in ahead of the Windies contest.

1. Gudakesh Motie’s resurgence

The Proteas dealt confidently with India’s Varun Chakravarthy. But the Windies’ Gudakesh Motie presents another variation.

The left-arm wrist spinner has taken 10 wickets at an average of 10.80 and an economy of 7.27, making him the joint fifth highest wicket-taker in the tournament. He was particularly effective against Zimbabwe, claiming 4/28 at the Wankhede Stadium.

He had earlier produced a match-winning three-for in a 10-over shootout victory over the Proteas at the Wanderers before departure for the T20 World Cup.

West Indies captain Shai Hope outlined his impact. “We tend to neglect how important time away from the game is. It gives you a nice chance to just refresh and regroup.

“He got a little period before, I was thinking it was the New Zealand series and he went home, worked on some skills. He has used the time away from the game well and has brought something beneficial for us with the wrist spin.

“You can see he's back to where he was before. He even added something to his game as well, that wrist spinner has been very, very crucial for us, especially against the lefties. He's in a great space and I can say the same for everyone.”

Motie has been particularly effective against left-handers and will be salivating at the prospect of bamboozling the likes of Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickleton and David Miller.

2. The second spin layer

Unlike India, the West Indies offer depth in spin. Akeal Hosain has operated effectively in the Powerplay throughout the tournament and produced a double-wicket maiden against Zimbabwe, finishing with 3/28. Together, Motie and Hosain combined for 7/56.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who captained Hosain at the Joburg Super Kings during the recent Betway SA20, says he believes South Africa’s recent exposure to the pair in a series at home should prove beneficial.

3. Managing firepower

Shimron Hetmyer’s 85 off 34 balls against Zimbabwe underlined West Indies’ scoring capacity. Their 254/6 was the second highest total in tournament history.

South Africa’s bowlers removed India for 111 after defending 187. Replicating early pressure and control will again be crucial. They cannot give the Windies batters the freedom to swing at will; it’s going to take a disciplined bowling and fielding effort, as was on display against India.

4. The qualification equation

South Africa top Group 1 with two points and a net run-rate of 3.80. One win from their remaining matches against West Indies and Zimbabwe could secure progression to the semi-finals.

On the same day in Chennai, India face Zimbabwe and must win convincingly, potentially relying on other results.

The margins in this group remain significant. But ultimately, as we all know, in professional sports, the Proteas will still have to play out of their skins. As Lungi Ngidi nailed it in a recent interview when he said that they haven’t won anything yet, despite the victory over India. 

There’s no mistaking that the West Indies and Zimbabwe are real hurdles that need to be overcome. And the Proteas have to remain sharp, and focused.

5. Stay consistent in approach

After the India victory, the Proteas’ messaging has been clear.

“For us in a tournament like this, it's about making sure that we do keep going back to the simple things, making sure that we stay in our lane as a player, get the job done and keep wanting more,” Miller said.

Against West Indies’ spin options and batting depth, that consistency — rather than emotion — shapes the next step.

But looking at the South Africans’ commitment, focus, and application thus far in the tournament, their fans here back home can still dare to dream.