Cricket “maybe owes” South Africa at crucial instants as the side looks to finally lift a major international trophy at the T20 World Cup in Australia, says batsman Pieter Malan.
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The Proteas open their Super 12 Group 2 campaign against Zimbabwe, who fit from the first round, on Monday in Hobart. Malan trusts the country can now break the barrier of nine arrivals – for both the men and women – at the semi-final stages of T20 and 50-over competitions.
“In a T20 competition, there are so many things you need to go your way in crucial instants,” the 33-year-old told BBC Sport Africa. “I feel like the game of cricket possibly owes South Africa a few of those, so hopefully it comes right in this competition. “South Africa is too decent a side not to have won a big trophy so hopefully that occurs pretty soon.”
South Africa T20 World Cup
South Africa's most annoying semi-final exit came at the 1999 Cricket World Cup when a final-over run-out meant they tied with Australia and were removed on a head-to-head record. The Proteas missed out on a T20 World Cup semi-final appearance last year when they were removed at the Super 12 stage despite final level on points in their group with England and eventual victors Australia.
They have evaded those two teams this year but do face India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Zimbabwe. “I think they're always in with a chance – that's the thing with South Africa – it is always one of the top sides,” said Malan, the South Africa A skipper who is not in the squad for Australia. “It's just a matter of getting across the line in those crucial instants and this might be the one.
“There are situations [in Australia] that South Africa will be comfortable with. They're in a good place and many exciting youths are coming through. “It's just putting that together and hopefully they get over the line in this World Cup.” South Africa will hope the potentially unhelpful batting of South Africa T20 World Cup Batsman Quinton de Kock and David Miller can deliver reliably, while Rilee Rossouw has made an optimistic return to the team and 22-year-old Tristan Stubbs has arisen as a top prospect.
Their highly regarded fast bowling attack offers them a real chance of achievement, with Marco Jansen added to a team that already includes Indian Premier League regulars Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. “Australia will suit our fast bowlers,” said Coach Mark Boucher. “We have got some good pace and bounce in our attack, so we need to keep the violence there.”
Positive outlook despite double supervising
Malan made his Test debut against England in Cape Town in 2020, top-scoring in the second innings with 84 as the travelers won by 189 runs. Despite a first-class average of nearly 46, he has yet to add to the three caps he won in that series – although he skippered South Africa A in a three-match series against India last December. To know more about Pakistan Vs South Africa Tickets click here.
The Nelspruit-born right-hander has also been overlooked by the T20 international side despite one century, 11 half-centuries, and an average of 39.33 in the format. Along with Test captain Dean Elgar and T20 skipper Temba Bavuma, Malan also missed out on selection for the inaugural SA20 franchise competition in January but was practical about the reasons.
“It comes down to analytics and what the squads think they need and what they can get,” he said. “There are a lot of irrepressible there and you can only control what you do in the field.” “I think it's fantastic for South African cricket that guys are being put on a show and they can expectantly show that there is a lot of talent in South Africa.”
Former South Africa captain
The six-team SA20 competition will begin on 23 January, with Commissioner Graeme Smith, a former South Africa captain, saying the league is vital to the future of cricket in the country. Malan appreciates T20 is challenging Test cricket for reign and admits young players will be involved in the shorter form of the money on offer in the SA20 and similar leagues around the world.
“This perhaps might just sit behind the IPL in terms of being the second biggest T20 in the world and it's thrilling to have that in South Africa, so hopefully it will be a success,” Malan added. “Test cricket is the high point and that needs to remain, but there's so much value in T20 cricket and for youngsters coming through it might be problematic for them to pick between the two. “That's going to be the challenge going forward. It's a stimulating time to see where it leads.”
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