New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) South Africa's batting coach Ashwell Prince has suggested the possibility of rotating their lineup ahead of their Super Eights matchup against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday afternoon. The Proteas have remained undefeated in the tournament thus far and have secured their spot in the semifinals from Group 1.

"I believe there’s a chance to evaluate some players who haven't had much game time. We need to consider the energy levels of those who have been actively playing, and a discussion with our coach and medical staff will be necessary to assess any minor injuries that may require rest rather than additional play. But this is a great opportunity to check on the less active players," Prince mentioned during the pre-match press conference.

Despite the likelihood of changes, Prince expressed contentment with South Africa's performance in the tournament to date. "It’s quite rewarding to see players being tested in various challenges throughout the tournament. Different players have emerged at different times. Additionally, our competitive domestic tournament, SA20, prior to the World Cup has placed most of our batters in a strong mental state. They arrived at the World Cup in good form, and it’s heartening that many have contributed effectively thus far in the competition.

When asked if South Africa sees themselves as favorites to lift the trophy, Prince replied, "In T20 cricket, anything is possible. Just last night, we saw England come back in a match against New Zealand when it seemed they were out of contention with 20 minutes left. We prefer to let the tournament unfold naturally at this moment."

South Africa is expected to be the overwhelming favorite against their neighboring country, Zimbabwe, who have done well to reach the Super Eights as Group B leaders but are now out of the semifinal race.

"It’s crucial to respect our opponents. They’ve accomplished a lot to qualify for the Super Eights and have had a commendable tournament. They will undoubtedly be disappointed that their journey doesn’t extend further in this tournament.

“From our perspective, we’ve maintained sharpness, and it’s vital that we uphold our discipline and intensity, ensuring we don’t ease off in this regard,” he added.

Much of South Africa's batting success has hinged on the performance of captain Aiden Markram, who has racked up 264 runs at a strike rate of 178 over six innings, including three half-centuries. His Power-play strike rate of 200 is the highest among all batters who have faced 50 or more deliveries in this tournament.

Markram, with three fifties in the tournament, is also on track to break the record for most runs scored by a captain in a single T20 World Cup edition, currently held by Pakistan’s Babar Azam, who scored 303 runs in 2021. Prince believes Markram's late-season surge as an opener in the SA20 has contributed to his current confidence at the World Cup.

"Aiden is in excellent form right now. There have been differing views on his best batting position in the lineup. He has batted in multiple positions, both for us and in various leagues. I have always believed that opening is where he shines best, especially with a partner like Quinton de Kock, who complements him well with their left-right combination. I often find myself referencing the SA20 in interviews.

“He began the SA20 in the middle order but finished strongly as an opener, carrying that momentum into the World Cup. His focus on batting and captaincy is currently at a high level, and he’s really locked in.

“The team is enjoying each other's company, which is important for our dynamics—what happens outside the matches, in the team environment, plays a significant role. The families are here, and I recently saw a video of David Miller having fun with the kids at the airport. The atmosphere is great, and the players are thriving,” he elaborated.

Prince also praised middle-order batsman Tristan Stubbs for finding his form just in time for the tournament, especially after being excluded from the team initially due to poor performance. Stubbs showcased his finishing abilities with unbeaten scores of 34 and 44 against Canada and India in Ahmedabad.

"When you watch him on the field, you can see his personality shine through, especially in how he celebrates catches and wickets. In the SA20, he was awarded the captaincy after being initially left out.

“I know him well, and I can say that some players might have leveraged that situation to improve their own standing. However, he is a selfless player. He integrated himself into the middle order willingly, prioritizing the team’s success over individual accolades, stepping up when called upon, particularly in critical moments such as the final,” Prince remarked.

“We have many such characters in our dressing room—players who put the team above themselves. It’s about collective effort and sacrifice, rooted in the leadership of our coach and captain, Markram," he concluded.