NEW DELHI: “Favorite.” It’s a mark that rests heavily on the shoulders of the South African team given its history of stifling at global ICC events. However, the new-look side seem to have turned over a new leaf after ending their title drought by claiming the World Test Championship (WTC) crown at Lord’s last June.Eight months later, Aiden Markramled’s side look set for another World T20 title and remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament. The South Africans have already secured their place in the semi-finals by winning all six matches and reduced their last Super 8 match against Zimbabwe to a goalless draw at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.
T20 World Cup 2026: Sourav Ganguly backs batting spectacle at Eden Gardens
While South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince did not want to look too far ahead, he admitted that the win at the WTC has instilled a lot of belief in the team in the quest for their first world title in the limited overs format. “Getting over the line at the WTC was a big moment for us as a country and for this group of players, which is largely the same group of players. Quinny (Quinton de Kock) has come back to this format and he brings a lot of experience with him and adds to the experience of those guys who have played in Test Championship finals. And that creates a lot of confidence and trust in your team-mates.” he said.Without a win against Afghanistan, which they won in the Super Over, South Africa destroyed their opponents with ruthless efficiency. This outfit doesn’t rely on individual brilliance and looks like a well-oiled unit. The top bowlers in Markram, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton are off to a brisk start in most matches. When they failed, the middle order, especially David Miller and Dewald Brevis, counter-attacked with gusto. Tristian Stubbs’ big hit gave the team the finishing touches.However, it is their bowling attack that gives the Proteas the edge. Although Kagiso Rabada was not at his best, the fast bowling trio of Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch compensated by claiming 31 of the 45 wickets South Africa took in the tournament. The only blip in an otherwise clinical performance from the Markram-led side was their capture. They have lost at least eight catches in six matches, which is quite uncharacteristic for a South African side.On the other hand, once we entered Indian soil for the Super 8 stage of the competition, the wheels fell off Zimbabwe’s spirited campaign. The Zimbabweans were already unable to maintain a stranglehold on their rivals after the semi-final battle as they did on Sri Lanka’s slow tracks in the group stage.
