Oct 4, 2022 (PR)
South Africa cricket Board released the 15-player squad for the ICC World Cup t20 starting in few days. Temba Bavuma's team has remained the same as the previous year's squad except for only three changes. This squad is about to fly off to India to play a t20 three-match series against the host and if SA wins this will certainly serve as a confidence booster in the World Cup.
Last season despite winning four out of five games the Proteas still failed to qualify for the semi-finals. Quinton de Kock admits, "Last year we were a bit unlucky to only lose one game and not even make a play-off." It was the poor run rate that threw them off of the tournament's playoffs. To not have a rundown of the previous season, South Africa has to ensure victory against its competitors by a large margin.
South Africa is one of the teams in the league with a well-balanced gang and that indicates high chances of them making it into the finals. But when it comes to big events like the World Cup you also need luck by your side.
"At the World Cup, it's anybody's game. The team that’s in form is not necessarily going to be the team that's going to win it, you also need a bit of luck" Quinton argues in a recent interview on Betway Insider. "If we just stick to what we've been doing, our process, we'll do really well," he assures.
Protea big hitter David Miller also agrees with his teammate saying "If you're ticking the boxes, and you're doing the right things along the way, generally, the outcome goes your way. So hopefully, things go our way in the World Cup." Though the team seems to be in good spirits they cannot shake off the blow that hit them right before the tournament. Rassie Van Der Dussen, a run machine in the top order, backed out from the squad after suffering a finger injury that required surgery.
David Miller and Aiden Markram are now in charge of putting large scores on the board. The team has also included a new star, Tristan Stubbs, who within such a short duration has made a significant spot in the team.
He could be the key player who shifts the game for Proteas this season. Even in the reserves, South Africa is all set with terrific performers. "Wayne gives us a different variation upfront, and his performances with the new ball and at the death." said Mpitsang. Besides him the squad involves a great number of fast bowlers;
Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi. Ngidi reckons the team can lift the first place in the league if they stay focused. "We need to not let external influences come into the camp. I’m confident we won’t, because none of this team have much experience of falling short in tournaments " ''A bit of luck could help us along the way." he states.