South Africa has never made it to the World Cup final after reaching the semifinals. Although not directly mentioned, the tale of South Africa in the World Cup seems like a series of new chapters in an epic. They’ve stumbled in the rain, made mistakes as calculations, and even stood still due to controversies during their World Cup journey. So, will they make it this time? Why is this question arising?
It’s coming up because South Africa is truly playing exceptionally well in this World Cup, presenting themselves somewhat like a championship team. But it’s South Africa we’re talking about! While playing brilliantly, they have, at times, faced unfortunate incidents or crises of luck.
Today at Eden, facing Australia in the semifinal, South African captain Temba Bavuma, at the press conference, was asked the same question again—can South Africa make it this time?
Bavuma, while trying to stay confident, said, ‘The way we’ve played in this World Cup until now has developed a significant mental attitude. Expectations have risen significantly. Many believe this might be the World Cup where we play the final. Both collectively and personally, I don’t expect anything less.’
The problem is the opposition team is Australia, the most successful team in World Cup history, and the team South Africa has a memory of faltering against. That semifinal match at Edgbaston in the 1999 World Cup is not forgotten!
A confident Bavuma, therefore, remains cautious, ‘We won’t be playing against any Mickey Mouse team. Australia is highly experienced; they know very well how to win these knockout matches. So, they will be very confident. We’ll have to showcase our full respect towards them.’
In some ways, South Africa might think of themselves better than Australia in one format of the game. In world cricket, South Africa is the only team ahead of Australia in One Day Internationals. In 109 ODIs, Australia has won 50, South Africa 55, and there have been three ties and one abandoned match.
However, for the team, it’s not just about Australia or the World Cup; Bavuma wants to focus more on their own performance today. Not on past statistics or history but on how they execute in today’s semifinal. ‘The way we’ve played in this tournament, the process we’ve followed, we want to continue that in the semifinal as well. I hope that brings us the desired outcome.’
Bavuma himself is uncertain about playing today due to a hamstring injury. He wants to make that decision this morning. If the regular captain doesn’t make it to the XI until the end, Eden Markram will lead the team.
