Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers said that it is best for South Africa to remain under the radar for as long as possible as well. However, they started off their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with a stunning win against Sri Lanka. In the same match, South Africa also broke the record for the highest total in an innings at the World Cup, smashing 428 runs against Sri Lanka as well. And, AB de Villiers, in a column at the ICC wrote that it is better for the team to not have the tags of favourites, as it adds extra pressure.
“I have played in previous teams that had more superstars in its ranks but struggled to deal with the pressure that came with that,” AB de Villiers wrote in his column at the ICC. “The longer we can fly under the radar, the better, as those are often the tournaments you win. Suddenly you get to a semi-final, and it is knockout cricket where anything can happen.”
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“For the current generation, it is quite the opposite. There are fewer established figures but lots of players ready to put their stamp on the world stage, free of the baggage from previous failures,” he further added.
Meanwhile, Aiden Markram was the star of the show in the match vs Sri Lanka, scoring the fastest century of the ODI World Cup. And, they would hope that Markram repeats the same once again at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, where they face Australia on October 12 as well.
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“Aiden Markram’s 49-ball century showed just how devastating he can be on the attack, but he also has the temperament and ability to build an innings, while Heinrich Klaasen is in the form of his life. I have a funny feeling this might just be the year – I just hope those fine margins are on our side this time,” AB de Villiers concluded.
