South Africa sweats over Tabraiz Shamsi's fitness ahead of 20-20 World Cup opener against Australia

South Africa are set to take on Australia in their 20-20 World Cup opener on 23rd October in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the match, they were dealt with a huge blow as ace spinner Tabraiz Shamsi had injured his groin in the warm-up game against Pakistan. Now if reports are to be believed then Shamsi will have to undergo a fitness test before the match to claim a spot in the playing XI.

Shamsi has been South Africa’s biggest match-winner in the last couple of years in the shortest format of the game. He is the number one T20I bowler and South Africa’s trump card in the marquee event. It will be a massive setback for South Africa if Shamsi misses out against Australia.

Meanwhile, South Africa have built some decent momentum heading into the Super 12s, having comprehensively beaten Afghanistan and Pakistan in the warm-up games. They had also defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I series before the 20-20 World Cup.

While many are not keeping South Africa in the favourites category owing to the inexperience in the team, skipper Temba Bavuma, who will be leading the team in his first global event, is optimistic about the team’s chances. Bavuma said the team is confident that they can win the tournament.

South Africa are placed in the group of death, with Australia, West Indies and England to accompany them. The Proteas will be keen to get off to a winning start to boost their chances of qualification for semis. Australia have looked pretty ordinary in the last few series and didn’t make much of an impact in the warm-up games as well. South Africa will feel they have a good chance of defeating Australia. Only the top two teams from each group progress to the next round.