Former South African captain AB de Villiers feels the Proteas’ moment has come, and he expects them to defeat India in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. However, the ex-keeper-batter believes the game will be close, given Team India’s roster of superstars.
With South Africa reaching the final of a men’s World Cup for the first time, Aiden Markram has the opportunity to go where no other captain has. The 29-year-old’s team also has the chance to win the T20 World Cup without losing a single match, a first in history.
In a social media post, AB De Villiers claimed:
“The moment of truth has arrived. South Africans have been waiting for 33 years to see the Proteas play in an ICC World Cup final. After so many heartbreaks, we know all about them. South Africa will play India in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday and I am backing the Proteas to win. It will be close as we all know India are a team of superstars but I believe South Africa’s time has come.”
AB de Villiers
South Africa has won a number of close games in the tournament, which typically goes against them in global competitions. Markram’s side defeated Afghanistan by nine wickets in the semi-finals, securing a spot in the final.
“Some will say that they have not produced their best cricket in the tournament” – AB de Villiers
AB De Villiers also noted that South Africa has all bases covered and claimed that India will require something exceptional to end their eight-match winning streak. On this, he stated:
“This Proteas team brings power. Power at the top order with De Kock, Hendricks, and Markram, power in the middle with Miller, Klaasen, and Stubbs, and power in the pace attack of Jansen, Rabada, and Nortje. Now add the skills of Shamsi and Maharaj, and you’ve all the bases covered. Some will say that they have not produced their best cricket in the tournament so far but they have won eight from eight and that’s not bad.”
AB de Villiers
South Africa’s men’s squad last reached the semifinals in 2014.