Former South African captain AB de Villiers is confident that the Proteas can defeat India in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. However, he acknowledges that the match will be closely contested, given the star power in the Indian lineup.
Aiden Markram has the chance to make history as the first South African captain to lead their team to the final of a men’s World Cup. Additionally, Markram’s side has the opportunity to become the first team to win the T20 World Cup without losing a single match.
“The moment of reckoning has arrived. For 33 years, South Africans have eagerly awaited this day – the Proteas’ first appearance in an ICC World Cup final. After enduring countless heartbreaks, they are all too familiar with the agony of falling short,” stated de Villiers.
“On Saturday in Barbados, South Africa will face off against India in the T20 World Cup final. While India boasts a team of superstars, I believe the Proteas’ time has come. It will be a close contest, but I’m backing South Africa to emerge victorious,” he added.
De Villiers noted that South Africa are well-equipped, and suggested that India will require an exceptional performance to end their eight-game winning streak.
“The Proteas bring formidable power to their lineup. At the top, they have the firepower of De Kock, Hendricks, and Markram. In the middle order, Miller, Klaasen, and Stubbs provide additional punch. And the pace attack of Jansen, Rabada, and Nortje is relentless. Add in the skills of spinners Shamsi and Maharaj, and this team has all the bases covered. While they may not have played their absolute best cricket in the tournament so far, the Proteas have a stunning 8-0 record,” he continued.
