South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma alongside other team members reached India ahead of the upcoming World Cup 2023. The Proteas would be coming into the tournament as they would look to break the World Cup curse and clinch their first ever title. However, only time will tell how the side prepares itself for Indian conditions and if they are able to shock the world and win the coveted title.
South Africa will face Sri Lanka in their opening match in WC
South Africa will begin their Cricket World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in New Delhi on October 7. It is worth noting that the World Cup will be played in a round-robin format, with the top four teams at the end of the group stage qualifying for the knockout stages. The Proteas who are termed as ‘Chokers’ will want to remove the tag this time around and stun everyone with their performance.
Earlier, the African camp suffered a setback as injured pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the tournament in India. Bowling all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and seamer Lizaad Williams have replaced the duo in the squad. South Africa goes into the tournament with two frontline spinners in Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, though batter Aiden Markram is a more than useful third option.
The Proteas were last seen in action during a 5-match ODI series against the Australians. Despite trailing in the series by 2-0, the home side showed great character as they went on to win the next three games to seal the series in their favour. The likes of De Kock, Miller, Klaasen and Bavuma looked in good touch with the bat in the series and will want to replicate their antics in India as well.
South Africa squad for WC 2023: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen and Lizaad Williams.