South Africa’s have had a habit of crumbling under pressure, but they are determined to upset the odds and capture their inaugural T20 World Cup crown against powerhouses India.
The Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, believe that they have acquired the winning mentality needed to overcome any situation despite a tournament characterized by narrow escapes and unconvincing victories.
Downplaying the weight of South Africa’s past crucial match losses, Markram stressed his team’s recent progress and the challenge that awaits them in the final.
He recognized India as a tough opponent yet he focused on South African recent performances toward the end of this event which has given South Africans faith that they can win from anywhere across all positions since experience has taught them how to handle high-pressure scenarios during this campaign.
“I just see it as another game of cricket really. We know that India is a very good side. As a team we have been trending in right direction over last couple of years as South Africans but maybe not progressed as far in tournaments as we would have liked. So, yes exciting occasion tomorrow against good oppositions in India but also it could be nice for us as well,” PTI quotes him saying.
South Africa’s path to the final has been anything but smooth. Escaping with tight wins over minnows like Nepal and Bangladesh whilestaying alive at West Indies encounter revealed weaknesses in them, however according to Markram these close shaves helped build resilience within the side resulting into them being calm enough to snatch victory from under their opponent noses when challenged.
“We had heart-stopping moments which could have gone either way really and we managed to win those critical ones. To do it maybe twice or thrice throughout this tournament so far then sort of gives you belief that you can win from any position which I think is pretty important for a team,” said Captain Markram.
Markram conceded that even though India was favored to triumph; his focus was on the strong points of South Africa and having a positive story for a nation so used to sports agony.
“But yeah, we’d love to get to our first final and be able to win that first final. And maybe in years to come, that can shake off some of what other people see us as,” he said.
Markram noted that even if they do not win the championship match, their performances are convincing enough. However, he again reiterated his team’s undying urge for triumph by saying that their collective wish is about changing history and finally holding aloft one of those much-desired World Cup trophies.
Even logistical problems such as a seven-hour flight delay has been embraced with positivity thus making them more united and resolute.
“…there is no point moping up. So it was a slightly longer day yesterday (laughs),” he added.
It sets up an enthralling finale between a confident and battle-hardened South African side taking on India who are looking to take back their place at the top of T20 cricket.
Regardless of tomorrow’s outcome, Markram pointed out that South Africa have performed well lately. Nevertheless, he reiterated his group’s insatiable thirst for victory by underlining their shared wish to rewrite history and finally possess World Cup silverware.
The movement has been maintained that even logistical challenges like seven hours delayed flights were met with optimism hence strengthening the unity within this squad.
“There’s no point sulking around and making it more miserable than what it might already seem to be. So, it was a slightly longer day yesterday (laughs),” he added.
The way is now clear ahead of an intriguing showdown pitting a self-assured seasoned South African team against an Indian outfit eager to restore its position at the summit of T20 Cricket.
“I don’t think there is any sense in which guys will be satisfied regardless of what happens tomorrow in terms of results. I think there’s still a massive hunger for us to go out and win tomorrow’s game,” summed up Markram.
However, recent success and a newly-discovered sense of self-belief for South Africa have made the team worthy adversaries who are prepared to defy expectations and write their own destiny in the cricketing annals.
