South Africa are not seen as tournament favourites at the moment but the way they have played their cricket in last 8-10 months, makes them a top-tier contender for ODI World Cup 2023.
Just two weeks back, South Africa found itself rejuvenated with a triumphant 3-2 series victory over Australia after being 2-0 down. The Proteas secured the final three wins in a row, injecting a surge of optimism into the team’s outlook. While history says that South Africa has always found a way to not win the tournament, however, this year is full of optimism for the team.
David Miller, the experienced middle-order batsman and a senior figure in the squad at the age of 34, captures the spirit of the team’s resurgence, saying, “We genuinely believe that we can do something special.”
He acknowledges the absence of a World Cup win in their history but understands the importance of focusing on the present, looking ahead to the next ball, the next moment, next tournament on the field.
South Africa enters into the ODI World Cup as the fourth-ranked side according to the ICC’s rankings, boasting five batters in the top 15—a feat unmatched by any other team. Miller, ranked 15th on that list, expresses his confidence in the batting lineup, highlighting their consistent performance over the past four years.
Indeed, South Africa’s batting unit has excelled since the last World Cup, with players like Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and captain Temba Bavuma making significant contributions. Even Quinton de Kock, who plans to retire from the format after the tournament, remains in the top 10 of the ICC’s rankings.
Miller, not one to be overly fixated on statistics, emphasizes the importance of situational impact and the ability to seize pivotal moments in matches. This newfound resilience has allowed them to defy expectations and prove their critics wrong.
Looking back to the previous World Cup in England, where they struggled to score runs and finished in seventh place, the current lineup appears vastly improved. Faf du Plessis led the team amidst controversy involving AB de Villiers, and the campaign was marked by a sense of disunity.
Bavuma Confident South Africa Can Claim World Cup Glory
However, the tides have turned. With in-form batters and a cohesive culture fostered by Captain Bavuma, South Africa’s bowlers are poised for success despite the absence of Anrich Nortje.
Spin will play a vital role on turning tracks, and South Africa is fortunate to have two exceptional spinners in Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj. Shamsi’s left-arm wrist spin can be both expensive and destructive, while Maharaj offers stability and control.
Although the team will miss the express pace of Nortje, they have promising options in the pace department. Marco Jansen, a towering 6ft 8in bowler with a lanky left arm, has the potential to make a significant impact, both with the ball and the bat. His ability to dismiss top-order batters is a valuable asset.
The spotlight also falls on Kagiso Rabada, whose immense talent has yet to translate into standout performances in major white-ball events. If Rabada can deliver as expected, South Africa stands a strong chance bowling out the opposition in every game.
Despite the challenges faced by South African cricket in recent times, including disappointing Test results and issues related to systemic racism, there is a renewed sense of purpose and unity within the team. Under the guidance of new coach Rob Walter, they aim to represent their nation with pride and use sport as a unifying force.
David Miller encapsulates this sentiment, saying, “We take that very seriously. The language and energy are really positive. We just can’t wait to get stuck in and give it horns.” South Africa is in right space for the ODI World Cup 2023, and the entire team is full of belief that it could be their year.
