As the ICC World Cup 2023 draws near, South African captain Temba Bavuma is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to make history and lead his team in the prestigious tournament. With a challenging assignment ahead, Bavuma is determined to guide his side to success and create a memorable campaign.
The tournament will commence with a much-awaited clash between defending champions England and runners-up New Zealand on October 5 in Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, the host nation, India, will face the formidable five-time winners Australia on October 8 in Chennai.
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Featuring ten teams and spanning across ten venues, the ICC World Cup 2023 is set to be the biggest cricket spectacle to date. The opening match as well as the final will take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
For the 33-year-old Bavuma, this will be his debut in the Men’s Cricket World Cup, making the occasion even more special. Expressing his delight at leading the team, he remarked, “Representing your country in a Cricket World Cup is a dream come true for any player, but to captain your country on cricket’s biggest stage is an achievement beyond most players’ wildest dreams. This will be my first 50-over Cricket World Cup, and I am humbled to be entrusted with the job to lead the group of men we will have come September,” as stated in an interview with ICC.
Despite South Africa never having won an ICC World Cup, Bavuma remains quietly confident in his team’s ability to peak at the right moment. He acknowledged the ups and downs they have faced during the qualification process but emphasized their determination to go all the way.
“The road to success is never linear, and we’ve definitely had our ups and downs on the road to qualification, but the important thing is that we have made it, and we are in it to win it. I’m looking forward to the showpiece that the tournament is guaranteed to be and hope to lead South Africa to historical achievements,” Bavuma expressed with conviction.
South Africa’s schedule includes high-profile matches against Australia in Lucknow, England in Mumbai, and India in Kolkata. As the team is familiar with Indian conditions, Bavuma is excited about the enhanced celebratory atmosphere of the World Cup. “This is going to be an exciting World Cup for everyone involved. With India as hosts, we as players know the kind of fanfare, noise, and festive energy we can expect from fans in and out of the stadiums,” he added.
Bavuma expressed his anticipation for the upcoming carnival of cricket. He sees the ICC World Cup 2023 as a chance for South Africa to excel and make their mark. “It’s going to be a carnival of cricket like no other and definitely a World Cup we are looking forward to taking part in and excelling in,” Bavuma concluded.
The tournament format will see the top four teams qualify for the semi-finals, which are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16. To account for any unforeseen circumstances, reserve days have been allocated for both the semi-finals and the final, ensuring a fair and uninterrupted conclusion to the tournament.
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