The Proteas are in group D of the 2024 T20 World Cup, going into that group as the first qualifier. Their two main competitors in will be Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Nepal and the Netherlands, who make up the rest of the group, will look to spring some upsets. On the face of it, it’s the easiest group of the four for the top team to advance from, avoiding India, England, Australia, Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand.

However, South Africa will have to contend with unfamiliar conditions in the USA, playing two of their group stage games in New York. Their first game will take place at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 3, against Sri Lanka.

South Africa have a different captain from the last edition in 2022, Aiden Markram taking over from Temba Bavuma. There ranks heave with power hitters, Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs some of the most notable names in their squad.

Their final warm-up series for the tournament is currently underway against the West Indies, although they are without several of their squad members who are either still competing in the IPL, or are being rested after their returns from the tournament. South Africa were beaten in the first game of that three-match series, after they were bowled out by the hosts for 145, Reeza Hendricks the source of the majority of the runs with 87 off 51 balls.

South Africa schedule for the 2024 T20 World Cup

Group stage

June 3: Sri Lanka vs South Africa, Nassau County International Stadium, East Meadow, New York – 10:30am

June 8: Netherlands vs South Africa, Nassau County International Stadium, East Meadow, New York – 10:30am

June 10: South Africa vs Bangladesh, Nassau County International Stadium, East Meadow, New York – 10:30am

June 14: Nepal v South Africa, Amos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent – 7:30pm