The ODI World Cup will be played in Africa after 24 years. The last time the tournament was hosted in this part of the world was in 2003, which Australia went on to win. The 31-year-old South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who played a key role in the World Test Championship title win in 2025, wants to win the 2027 World Cup.
Speaking to ICC during the venue and brand announcement events in Johannesburg, the pacer said, “Well, I think there’s a lot more to it as we are the host nation. It’s almost like freedom. I don’t feel the pressure of us playing at home and feel the need to win it.”
The fast bowler added, “It’s almost like we’re at home, and we’re going to defend our fortress. And that’s what it means to me. It’s about representing the badge.” So far, the pacer has played 18 matches in the ODI World Cup and claimed 24 wickets. He has a best of 3/33 that came against Australia in Lucknow, where he dismissed Steve Smith, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis.
Proteas star recalls Wasim Akram’s spell in 1992 World Cup
Speaking to the ICC, the Gujarat Titans star said that Wasim Akram’s spell in the 1992 final vs England at Melbourne was his favourite. “One World Cup moment which I cannot forget is how Akram bowled in the final against England. He rattled the stumps and put on a show to win a title for his nation and also showed his skills and passion. He was fast and had so much skill that showed the world he was there for a contest.”
Proteas have reached the ODI World Cup semi-finals on five occasions (1992, 1999, 2007, 2015, and 2023). They missed out on a place in the knockouts in 2003 due to a botched calculation in the rain-hit game against Sri Lanka. They came close in 1999 when their semi-final game against Australia ended in a tie. Since the Aussies had won the Super Six clash, it was Steve Waugh’s men who made it to the final.
South Africa have two ICC titles, thelast of which was last year when they lifted the Test mace by beating Pat Cummins’ side. “We have shown that we can go and play the finals and semi-finals. We have the confidence and belief to win titles,” he concluded.