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"I Don't Want To Jinx But...": Lungi Ngidi Hopes To Break Chokers Tag In WTC Final

Soumyajit Dutta

Lungi Ngidi on WTC final hopes [Source: @ICC/X.com]Lungi Ngidi on WTC final hopes [Source: @ICC/X.com]

While South Africa is already bearing the brunt of shock retirements alongside the needle of 'chokers' tag and Lungi Ngidi, one of the pace spearheads of the Proteas hoped for improvement in SA cricket, with the WTC mace being the salvation.

Ahead of the WTC final on June 11, for Ngidi, the mace represents more than just a trophy as it’s a potential catalyst for transforming cricket in his nation, a dream he’s determined to realise.

Ngidi Envisions 'Change In Cricketing Landscape'

Notably, South Africa stands on the verge of ending decades of ICC heartbreak as they face defending champions Australia in the World Test Championship final starting Wednesday. 

After a narrow loss to India in last year's T20 World Cup final, the Proteas, fuelled by seven consecutive Test wins, have one more shot at the elusive silverware that has tormented them for so long. Speaking to ICC, Ngidi shared the dream.

"I don't think I can put it into words, to be honest. We've come close over the last couple of years now with other different tournaments. For me, this is the ultimate form of cricket, and to be able to bring this back home would be a dream come true. I don't want to jinx anything, but it would be awesome. I think it could change the landscape of cricket in South Africa and just bring that focus back to red-ball cricket," Ngidi told ICC Digital.

Ngidi Ready To Take on The WTC Challenge

While teammates Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen have dominated headlines, Ngidi has quietly honed his preparation. He feels primed for the Lord's challenge, drawing on past experience at the iconic ground.

"I feel very ready as I have had a lot of time to prepare for this. It's any cricketer's dream to play at Lord's. I've been blessed with the opportunity before, playing England at Lord's, and that was quite something for me with the nerves and the excitement," Ngidi said.

On the Test front, Lungi Ngidi has made a notable impact with consistent performances across 19 matches. Featuring in 33 innings, Ngidi has bowled 2,452 deliveries and claimed 55 wickets at an impressive average of 23.14. Known for his ability to maintain pressure with a disciplined line and length, Ngidi also boasts an economy rate of 3.11 and a strike rate of 44.5.