Sports

Steyn backs South Africa to end World Cup jinx

April 18, 2019
South Africa's fast bowler Dale Steyn stretches during a practice session ahead of their second Test cricket match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka in this file photo. — Reuters
South Africa's fast bowler Dale Steyn stretches during a practice session ahead of their second Test cricket match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka in this file photo. — Reuters

NEW DELHI — South Africa's veteran paceman Dale Steyn is confident his side can end their World Cup jinx and get to the final — with "a bit of luck".

The Proteas have always been among the world's top cricket teams but have never got past the semifinal hurdle — losing four times.

With the Faf du Plessis-led side winning 11 of their last 13 one-day series, Steyn believes the South Africans can lift the trophy at the tournament in England and Wales starting May 30.

"We're going with good expectations," Steyn, who has joined Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore, told reporters.

"If you're not going to the World Cup expecting to win, then you probably shouldn't go. But I'm not going to lie, we have some fantastic players," said Steyn, 35.

Du Plessis and spinner Imran Tahir, who play for Chennai Super Kings and speedster Kagiso Rabada with the Delhi Capitals are enjoying good form in the Twenty20 tournament.

Steyn, who is hoping to make South Africa's World Cup squad, singled out Rabada for special praise.

Rabada is currently the top ranked bowler in the IPL with 17 wickets followed by fellow South African Tahir on 15.

"He's been bowling exceptionally well. Kagiso is a wunderkind. Just hope he continues that kind of form." said Steyn.

"We are led by Faf, who has been in fantastic form lately. And in the Indian Premier League, Imran Tahir has been right up there in terms of wickets," said Steyn, who joined Bangalore as a replacement for injured Nathan Coulter-Nile.

"From Quinton de Kock all the way down to No. 11, they're all match-winners," he said.

"We just need to go there and hope (for) a bit of luck — weather, a missed no-ball — goes your way, and you could win the tournament."

Steyn, who has 196 wickets from 125 ODI matches, said team rankings would be of little significance in the tournament. South Africa, ranked fourth, take on top-ranked England at The Oval in the opening game.

"I think you really need to take rankings and throw it out of the window," he said.

"I don't even know what ranking West Indies have, and they just beat England. Australia were losing, and then they've started winning again," he added. — AFP


April 18, 2019
HIGHLIGHTS
Sports
5 days ago

Neom FC clinches First Division spot with a thrilling victory over Al Zulfi

Sports
5 days ago

Hiba Al Owaidi becomes first female main referee in Saudi Women's League

Sports
7 days ago

Salem Al Dawsari's goal secures Saudi victory over Tajikistan in World Cup qualifiers