The countdown to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 has already begun, and South Africa are hoping that dwelling situations can lastly assist them break their long-standing jinx within the event. With the marquee 50-over occasion set to be collectively hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, Proteas quick bowler Kagiso Rabada believes his crew can flip dwelling benefit right into a supply of confidence relatively than strain.
Notably, the 2027 version will mark the return of the ODI World Cup to South Africa after greater than 20 years. The nation final hosted the event in 2003, when Australia defeated India within the last.
Kagiso Rabada shares his tackle South Africa’s probabilities at ODI World Cup 2027
Talking on the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and model announcement occasion in Johannesburg, Rabada defined that he doesn’t view internet hosting the event as an added burden. As an alternative, the skilled pacer sees it as a possibility for South Africa to guard their dwelling territory and ship a memorable marketing campaign in entrance of their supporters.
“It’s virtually like freedom as nicely. I don’t really feel the strain of us taking part in at dwelling and feeling the necessity to win it. It’s virtually like, we’re at dwelling and we’re going to defend this fortress. And that’s what it means to me. It’s about representing the badge,” Rabada mentioned, as reported by the ICC.
Rabada has been a part of South Africa’s ODI World Cup squads in 2019 and 2023, giving him first-hand expertise of the calls for that include taking part in cricket’s largest 50-over event. The quick bowler feels the crew already possesses the boldness required to compete deep into the competitors. The problem, in keeping with him, is solely to make sure South Africa take the ultimate step when the chance arrives.
“We’ve proven that we will go and play in finals and within the semi-finals. It’s nearly that final step. So the boldness is there. The assumption is most positively there, nearly going that one further step,” Rabada added.
Additionally READ: Zaheer Khan explains why India ought to choose Mohammed Shami for ODI World Cup 2027
South Africa nonetheless chasing elusive World Cup last
Regardless of being one of many strongest groups in worldwide cricket through the years, South Africa have by no means managed to achieve an ODI World Cup last. Their marketing campaign has repeatedly ended on the semi-final stage, with the Proteas ending among the many final 4 in 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015 and 2023.
That historical past has typically led to South Africa being related to disappointment in essential knockout matches. Nonetheless, Rabada believes the crew’s current success on the most important stage has helped change that narrative.
The Proteas received the World Take a look at Championship last towards Australia final 12 months, demonstrating their potential to deal with the strain of a high-stakes contest. For Rabada, that triumph has given the present group a stronger perception that they’ll ship when the stakes are at their highest.
Additionally READ: Ajinkya Rahane sends sturdy message to Staff India over Rohit Sharma’s 2027 ODI World Cup future
-(1).jpeg?ssl=1 "Jemimah Rodrigues eyes inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy 2027")
