ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Strongest South Africa Playing XI

South Africa will certainly be strong contenders for the World Cup title and will be a huge threat to the title aspirations of hosts England and favourites India. The Proteas pace attack was already daunting and with Dale Steyn's return, they have been blistering to face. Even if their bowling has faltered, their batsmen are constantly stepping up to perform and win games for them.

Few groups of people counted them out of the race after AB De Villiers' shock retirement but the Proteas have a lot of firepower left in them which they're yet to unleash.

Without much ado, let's take a look at the strongest playing XI they can field for the World Cup matches.

---

Openers- Quinton De Kock (Wicket Keeper) and Reeza Hendricks

Quinton De Kock and Reeza Hendricks will make a formidable opening pair

Quinton De Kock and Reeza Hendricks will do South Africa a world of good at the World Cup. Hashim Amla who is a much more experienced player than the two can anchor the innings and is more suited batting at number three. A player of his calibre will understand that he has to adapt to roles for the smoother functioning of the team.

De Kock is my favourite player from the Proteas lineup and I believe he can do wonders in this World Cup. His performances leading up to this point have been getting better and his wicketkeeping is top-notch. Very athletic, commanding and clever, De Kock is someone who will be crucial both when the side is batting or when they're bowling. His explosive openings are something which we can enjoy from a neutral point of view and something which the side needs.

The two of the biggest gains of the Mzanzi Super League will be Reeza Hendricks and Duanne Olivier. While Olivier has found a spot for himself in the Test squad, Hendricks, after a shaky start to his ODI career is slowly settling into his role at the top of the order. He certainly has the capabilities to succeed even at the big stages.

Middle Order- Hashim Amla, Faf Du Plessis, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller

David Miller, Hashim Amla and Faf Du Plessis

Hashim Amla will be a crucial player for the Proteas World Cup campaign. Amla hasn't been in the best of form but these kind of tournaments tend to bring out the best in players like Amla. His presence at #3 will give solid support to the entire innings and though out of position, him batting there is the best for the team.

Faf Du Plessis has been in great form and has led the team very well. Faf will have a big role to play in terms of his batting and will be tested more during chases. His batting needs to be 2-dimensional and he must be able to change gears quickly according to the situation and his current skill set exhibits all those qualities.

Heinrich Klaasen has got enough chances to prove himself but the big scores haven't been coming. The reason the team is persisting with him is that they know the immense potential inside him and that one big innings can bring him back to form. Klaasen can strike the ball very well and will be the team's primary finisher. The batting order will depend on the situation and Klaasen will be sent early if the team is struggling and at that situation, he can get a feel of the ball and get back to full flow.

David Miller will be the Proteas' accelerator in their batting order and needs to get runs quickly for them but he certainly has the technique to build the innings. This middle order will form the core of the team and these 4 men need to be up for the task.

All Rounder and Spinner- Andile Phehlukwayo and Imran Tahir

Andile Phehlukwayo

Andile Phehlukwayo will be a player of key importance for the Proteas at the World Cup. A genuine all rounder, Phehlukwayo is in great form currently and will look to carry it up until the World Cup. He offers a solid batting option who can extend the tail and delivers valuable overs with the ball. He's not a bad striker of the ball and can finish off games and has a knack of picking up key wickets.

Imran Tahir is the only proper spinner who South Africa have for the World Cup and they should continue to back him. He has been very successful in limited overs format and his economy rate is eye-catching. Tahir doesn't rely too much on turn and bowls a better googly than a stock delivery. The pitches in England will suit this type of bowling better than what someone like Kuldeep can offer. Tahir will certainly be a candidate for the leading wicket taker in the tournament.

Pacers- Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ndidi and Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada will be the player to watch out for from this intimidating South African pace bowling lineup. Rabada's fiery bouncers and stump rattling deliveries will be assisted by the pitches in England and he can certainly make a great impact whenever he comes on to bowl. Rabada is among the top 5 bowlers in ODIs and is the best Test bowler currently which speaks volumes of his talent and form.

Dale Steyn's comeback to the team was a welcome one as it filled up a third pacer's slot which had been begging for the right suitor. He was the same old Steyn we'd seen, fiery, quick and with a point to prove. The old war horse might be playing his last World Cup but with him and his experience in the side, the Proteas might end up winning this one.

Lungi Ngidi was exceptional in the few ODIs he played and was a certainty for the World Cup before he got an injury which ruled him out for 12 months. He's expected to make a return in late February or in March but he certainly should feature in their first-choice playing XI. He's a bundle of energy and is tailor-made for picking up early wickets. He has enough pace and moves the ball off the pitch very well.

This pace attack is probably the best in the entire tournament even if we compare it to the Aussie pace attack.