Temba Bavuma is confident South Africa have the squad balance and mentality to reach a second consecutive T20 World Cup final.
Bavuma captained the Proteas at the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups but was absent in 2024, when Aiden Markram led the side to a historic final that ended in a seven-run defeat to India.
“I’m very optimistic, bullish about their chances,” Bavuma told News24. “We’ve got firepower, experience, pace and spin. If we manage the squad well and start strongly, I see no reason why we can’t reach the final again.”
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The Proteas Test and ODI captain pointed to Quinton de Kock’s form, experience and understanding of subcontinental conditions giving South Africa genuine reason for optimism.
“In those conditions, he’s been part of the IPL for all these years, so he knows them back to front,” Bavuma said. “If I were a betting guy, I’d put my money on Quinton.
“He’s been in World Cups, he knows the heartache. That’s probably what’s missing in his career, and one of the reasons he’s come back.”
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The Proteas begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Canada in Ahmedabad on Monday, 9 February, followed by matches against Afghanistan (11 February), New Zealand (14 February) and the UAE (18 February).
Proteas squad: Aiden Markram (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs.
Photo: @ProteasMenCSA/X
