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'We Can Make Our First Final..,' Rabada's Bold Statement Ahead of World Cup 2023

image-ln34naqrSouth African Pacer Kagiso Rabada [Twitter]

South Africa Pacer Kagiso Rabada has expressed his unwavering belief in the Proteas' ability to clinch the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy. South Africa, despite boasting a lineup of stellar cricketers, has yet to etch their name on this coveted trophy or even reach the pinnacle in an ODI or T20I World Cup final. Rabada, however, sees a different fate in the making.

The 'chokers' tag, a burden that the South African team has carried for years due to their history of falling short in crucial knockout stages, might soon be a thing of the past, according to Rabada. 


Here's what he said:

With determination blazing in his eyes, he stated, 

"One thing we have never lacked as South Africans is belief, so going into the tournament we do believe we can win it. We've got the players to do so, so hopefully we can make our first final and win this competition."

The road ahead won't be a walk in the park, but Rabada's conviction is unshaken. Following a remarkable comeback victory against Australia, where they fought back from a 2-0 deficit to claim a 3-2 series win, the Proteas are brimming with confidence as they prepare to kick off their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.

However, it's not all smooth sailing for South Africa. The absence of key fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala will be felt keenly. Nevertheless, Rabada remains undaunted, embodying the spirit of a team player. 

"The 2019 World Cup was my first, and I wasn't successful at all. The lesson I took from that is that team cohesion is the most important factor because individuals don't win World Cups, teams do," he confessed.

As one of the more experienced members of the squad, Rabada is embracing his role as a leader within the team. 

"Through knowing my own strengths and reinforcing them, knowing what makes me tick, and through lending an ear to other players, I want to help set how we play as a collective," he stated with determination.

In a minor setback, the original South African captain, Temba Bavuma, will miss the warm-up matches due to personal reasons, with T20I skipper Aiden Markram stepping in to lead the side. The Proteas will prepare for their World Cup journey with two warm-up matches, facing Afghanistan and New Zealand on September 29 and October 2, respectively, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.