South Africa embrace favourites tag for New Zealand World Cup semi-final
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad says his unbeaten side are happy to carry the tag of favourites into their T20 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
The Proteas have won seven consecutive matches to reach the last four in Kolkata on Wednesday.
It is a position of strength that contrasts sharply with the nation’s painful history in global tournaments.
Previous campaigns have often ended in heartbreak, ranging from the rain-affected exit in 1992 to the dramatic collapse against India in the 2024 final.
However, despite the historical weight of expectation, the camp remains confident.
“I’m glad that we’re favourites because I always felt that as a South African team, you want to be able to play as a favourite because it’s easy being an underdog,” said Conrad.
Markram leads search for redemption
The semi-final comes 612 days after captain Aiden Markram faced the media following a devastating defeat in Barbados.
South Africa required 26 runs from the final 24 balls in the 2024 final but fell seven runs short.
Eight players from that squad remain in India, fueling a desire to correct the record.
“The guys are richer for that experience,” Conrad added.
“They have learned so much about themselves and Aiden has been fantastic both with bat in hand and as a leader, as well as a captain.”
Markram has led from the front, enjoying a personal resurgence compared to his struggles in the Caribbean.
The skipper managed just 123 runs at a strike-rate of 100.81 during the 2024 tournament.
In stark contrast, he is currently the competition’s third-highest run-scorer with 263 runs striking at 175.16.
Former captain Faf du Plessis attributes this evolution to Markram’s recent stint in the Indian Premier League.
“He opened for Lucknow Super Giants and the IPL almost demanded you needed to play in that way in order for you to keep your place,” Du Plessis told Cricinfo.
Dominance with bat and ball
The Proteas’ run to the semi-finals has been built on comprehensive statistical dominance.
They currently boast the highest batting run-rate and the best run-rate in the middle overs of all competing nations.
This aggression has been matched by a disciplined bowling unit.
South Africa hold the tournament’s best bowling economy rate, stifling opposition batting lineups.
The pace attack, spearheaded by Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, has been particularly potent early in the innings.
Collectively, they have taken three more powerplay wickets than any other side in the competition.