The USA are excited to face the Proteas on Wednesday in the Super8’s of the ICC T20 World Cup in Antigua.

The co-hosts, America, exceeded everyone’s expectations, and even their own to reach the next phase of the tournament.

In doing so, they have also ensured that they have qualified for the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The Super 8’s will be a different beast for the minnows of world cricket, however, one thing this current World Cup has shown is that it is unpredictable.

The former Knights seamer, Shadley van Schalkwyk, who plays for the USA, told OFM Sport that for them it’s a big deal.

“I think the world was not expecting USA cricket to make the Super 8 and I think maybe people may have expected us to win possibly one game,” said the 35-year-old who spent the most of his career playing in Bloemfontein.

“I think we all knew within the camp and within the USA that we could upset a few teams and the goal was to get to the Super 8’s.

“I think everyone believed that, and then from there we can reassess and take our journey forward. I think it's an exciting time for USA cricket itself. We've grown nicely and the guys have played well.

“We've come together quite nicely and sort of performed under pressure and against some big teams which is quite nice. Obviously coming back to playing South Africa I think it's going to be an exciting time.

“We've settled in quite nicely and we're all staying at the same hotel. We all know each other so that's nice and a little bit so refreshing to see all the players you've played with and against in the past.

“It should be a good game and we're looking forward to it. It's definitely an exciting time. I know we all are looking forward to it in the USA camp, and since we've made the Super 8 it's all to put USA cricket on the map, I guess.

“One of our teammates said it’s from not being able to play against anyone about two or three years ago to people seeing how good American cricket is and it bids well for the future, which is exciting. “It's not just for us but the pathway is now laid for those coming after us.”

Wednesday’s game in North Sound will get underway at 16:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport