South Africa’s World Cup story can be told through images. The Proteas are one of the team which are considered as the favourites in every tournament following their immense talent and balanced team structure, still they end up being chokers.
In 1992, it was the electronic scoreboard. In 1999, Allan Donald was down on his haunches, trying to process that run out. In 2003, Shaun Pollock’s interpretation of ‘hear no fear’ after failing to read a piece of paper told you everything you needed to know. And in 2015, Grant Elliot, after a barely believable assault, shook hands with Dale Steyn, who was prone on the Eden Park pitch.
This time the South African side are not favourites to lift the World Cup trophy but still they possess the capability to turn around things in their interest.
South Africa Cricket Team:
Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, David Miller, Dale Steyn, Andile Phehlukwayo, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Quinton de Kock (wk), Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Hashim Amla, Tabraiz Shamsi
Head coach: Ottis Gibson
ICC World Cup Track Record:
| ICC World Cup edition | Standing |
| 1992 | Semi Finals |
| 1996 | Quarter Finals |
| 1999 | Semi Finals |
| 2003 | Group Stage |
| 2007 | Semi Finals |
| 2011 | Quarter Finals |
| 2015 | Semi Finals |
South African team will be featuring a squad in which 8 players are making their World Cup debut. The Proteas are experiencing a good form in ODI cricket as they have won their last four series, including beating Australia in Australia.
South Africa will begin their World Cup campaign against the hosts England on May 30 at the Kennington Oval, London.
Faf du Plessis-led South Africa, head into the tournament with one of the best pace attacks, with good mix of young and experience. With Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi, Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo in their ranks, their ability to trouble batsmen should keep them in good stead.
Though Rabada, Steyn and Ngidi had an injury scare, they are likely to be fit for the tournament. However, Steyn has not been named for the opening fixture against England. Imran Tahir would lead the spin bowling attack for the team.
Except bowlers, batsman like Quinton de Kock, skipper Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla are also having a great form which is much needed for the teams moral support.
With all 10 teams at the World Cup part of the round-robin group stage, each team will play a total of nine matches before the knockout stages, starting July 9. The top four teams will qualify for the knockouts.
