One name that’s bound to make headlines for South Africa in upcoming ODI World Cup is Quinton de Kock. The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is set to bid adieu to his one-day international career, making this tournament a significant milestone in his cricketing journey.
A prolific tournament is due from De Kock’s bat and what could be a better occasion than an ODI World Cup to end his career on high. South Africa will be leaning heavily on de Kock’s invaluable experience and a formidable pace-heavy bowling attack.
Quinton de Kock’s decision to retire from ODI cricket has added an extra layer of significance to his participation in the Cricket World Cup. This event marks the last chapter in his one-day international career, and it’s poised to be a fitting send-off for a player who is as good as anyone in this world on his day.
What makes this World Cup even more intriguing is South Africa’s recent performance against Australia. The Proteas managed to bounce back from a daunting 2-0 deficit to secure a remarkable 3-2 victory in a recent ODI series which saw their batters taking absolute charge.
South Africa’s track record in the 50-over World Cup reveals three semifinal appearances as their best result to date. However, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the team aims to break this pattern and emerge as champions.
While the absence of fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala due to injuries is a setback, South Africa remains a formidable force, bolstered by a talented squad that includes the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Gerald Coetzee.
Rabada Confident South Africa Can Win ODI World Cup 2023
Proteas coach Rob Walter has said that the importance of a well-balanced squad and strategic adaptability, especially in the challenging conditions of subcontinent is going to be key for South Africa. South Africa’s strength lies in its fast bowling, and they are determined to have four high-quality fast bowlers on the field whenever possible.
South Africa’s history in limited-overs World Cups has been marked by unfulfilled dreams. Despite hosting the 50-over World Cup in 2003 and inaugurating the T20 World Cup in 2007, they have yet to secure victory in either tournament. Notably, in the last T20 World Cup edition, they faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of the Netherlands.
Bavuma Confident South Africa Can Win World Cup
Captain Temba Bavuma draws inspiration from unexpected defeat against the Netherlands. “If I look back now, since that day things have been going well for myself but also for the team. I was laughing about it. There’s no negative emotions or trauma coming back here,” Bavuma said.
South Africa is definitely the most competitive side in the world cricket at the moment. All this has come because they trust their game so deeply. Adding to that, there are some players in South African team who are in red hot form.
Bavuma reveals that the team’s approach this year is vastly different from their previous reputation. “The way we’ve been going about our business this year, it has been in contrast to what people have known us as a team. We spoke a lot about being bold, being fearless, being positive and always looking for moments to move the game in our favor,” he said.
South Africa will start their ODI World Cup campaign on October 7 with a match against Sri Lanka, followed by a highly anticipated rematch against Australia on October 12.
