‘Need to stay in present’ - Temba Bavuma on semi-final jinx and Australia challenge at World Cup

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma stated that he is not a ‘hundred percent’ due to issues over his hamstring at the toss during the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal against Australia at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first. 

He opened up about his hamstring issues and stated that this was not the way he dreamt of leading the team. He further revealed how the South African Rugby World Cup-winning team sent their best wishes for the high-octane clash.

“We will bat first. I am not a hundred percent. Not something I really dreamt of (captaining his country in a World Cup). We have come against a team like Australia in the semi-final,” Bavuma said at the toss.

“We did get a message from them (South Africa's rugby winning team) this morning, means a lot to me and the team, there's a game to focus on,” added.

In the four World Cup semi-finals played so far, the Proteas have suffered defeat three times. Although they managed a tie in their 1999 semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, they were unable to secure a spot in the final. The Proteas captain commented on the team's semi-final history, stating “Yes, we did speak about it (the semi-final jinx) but it's very important to stay in the present. Need to stick to our processes.”

The Proteas opted for a solitary change, bringing in left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and excluding fast bowler Lungi Ngidi against Australia. South Africa had a successful run in the group stage of the tournament, securing the second position in the table with 14 points and a net run rate of +1.261, winning seven out of nine matches. In their league stage clash against Australia on October 12 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, South Africa defeated them by 134 runs.

On the other hand, Pat Cummins and his team faced a challenging start, losing their opening two games. However, the Kangaroos staged a sensational comeback, winning all their remaining matches and securing the third position in the ODI World Cup points table.