NEW DELHI: South Africa, often criticized for faltering under pressure, are determined to defy expectations and secure their first-ever
T20 World Cup
title against heavyweights India.
Despite a tournament run marked by close calls and unconvincing victories, the Proteas, led by
Aiden Markram
, believe they have cultivated a winning mentality capable of overcoming any challenge.
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Markram, downplaying the historical baggage surrounding South Africa's performance in crucial matches, emphasized the team's recent improvement and the opportunity presented by the final.
He acknowledged India's formidable reputation but stressed that South Africa's recent trajectory, coupled with their experience in navigating pressure-filled situations throughout the tournament, has instilled a belief that victory is attainable from any position.
"Probably, I just see it as a new game of cricket, to be honest. We all know India's a great team. Us as a team, as South Africans, have been sort of trending in the right direction the last couple of years, but maybe not progressed in tournaments as far as we would have liked. So, an exciting occasion tomorrow against a good opposition in India, but a nice opportunity for us as the Proteas as well," said Markram, as quoted by PTI.
South Africa's journey to the final has been far from smooth. Narrow escapes against lower-ranked teams like Nepal and Bangladesh, along with a tense encounter against the West Indies, highlighted their vulnerabilities. However, Markram believes these experiences have forged a resilient spirit within the team, enabling them to remain composed and emerge victorious in tight situations.
"There have been close moments in games that would have probably affected the result and we managed to win those moments. To have done them two, three, maybe four times throughout the competition so far has sort of given the team the belief that you can win from any position, which I think is quite important for a team to have that," the South Africa skipper added.
While acknowledging India's status as favourites, Markram emphasized South Africa's own strengths and their desire to create a positive narrative for a nation accustomed to sporting heartbreak.
"But yeah, we'd love to get to our first final and be able to win that first final. And hopefully in the years to come that can break the burden of what a lot of other people are saying about us as a team," he remarked.
Markram stressed that regardless of the final's outcome, South Africa's recent performances indicate a positive trajectory. However, he reiterated the team's unwavering hunger for victory, emphasizing their collective desire to rewrite history and finally claim a coveted World Cup trophy.
Even logistical challenges, such as a seven-hour flight delay, have been met with a positive mindset, further solidifying the team's unity and determination.
"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 stage is set for a captivating finale, pitting a confident and battle-tested South African side against an Indian team seeking to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of T20 cricket.
"I think there's no sense that the guys are satisfied regardless of the result tomorrow. I think there's still a massive hunger for us to go out and win tomorrow's game," concluded Markram.
While history favours India, South Africa's newfound belief and their ability to thrive under pressure make them a formidable opponent, poised to challenge expectations and script a new chapter in their cricketing history.
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