South Africa national cricket team embrace favourites tag after seventh straight win
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad says his side are ready to shoulder the weight of expectation as they head into the T20 World Cup semi-finals unbeaten and widely regarded as title favourites.
Following a seventh consecutive win — a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe national cricket team in Delhi — South Africa have emerged as one of the standout teams of the tournament. They are the only unbeaten side remaining and have already secured convincing wins over co-hosts India national cricket team and upcoming semi-final opponents New Zealand national cricket team.
Rather than deflecting the favourites label, Conrad is welcoming it.
“I’m glad that we’re favourites,” Conrad said. “It’s easy being an underdog — the expectation isn’t that great. Now we’ve assumed the tag, which we don’t really talk much about. If we can continue doing what we’re doing and get a little bit of luck along the way, hopefully that will give us the result.”
A different tone
Conrad’s relaxed confidence marks a shift from previous South African campaigns, where coaches often downplayed expectations. He speaks from experience, having already guided the Proteas to global success by lifting the World Test Championship mace in June.
But his outlook is shaped by perspective as much as silverware. Conrad has frequently spoken about viewing sport first as joy, then as a profession — an approach that has filtered through to his squad.
“There’s always pressure,” he said. “It’s what you do with that pressure and how you shift it. A semi-final is pressure enough. Playing a top side like New Zealand is pressure enough. There’s no added pressure.”
Lessons from adversity
South Africa’s most testing moment came during the group stage against Afghanistan national cricket team, when they were pushed to a double Super Over before prevailing.
That dramatic win proved pivotal. After overstepping on what seemed the final wicket, Kagiso Rabada returned to effect a crucial run-out that forced the tie. Tristan Stubbs struck the six that levelled the first Super Over, and Keshav Maharaj held his nerve in the second despite being struck for three consecutive sixes.
“That Afghanistan game was massive,” Conrad said. “It could so easily not have gone our way. In some sort of way, it really pulled the group together.”
The victory ensured South Africa navigated the so-called “group of death” and built momentum that has carried into the knockout stages.
Calm under pressure
Twice in the tournament — against India and Zimbabwe — South Africa have lost three wickets inside the Powerplay. On both occasions, the middle order steadied the innings.
“When things get tough, they’re still able to fashion something and eke out the right results,” Conrad noted. “There’s that calmness in the side that, whatever the situation, someone will find a way.”
The bowling attack has also answered pre-tournament critics. Despite travelling without a specialist wristspinner, South Africa’s seam-heavy strategy has thrived. Conrad highlighted the wicket-taking roles of Rabada and Marco Jansen, while describing Lungi Ngidi as a “mystery seamer” capable of disrupting batters through the middle overs. Corbin Bosch’s accuracy at the death has further underlined the attack’s versatility.
“They’re all Test match bowlers,” Conrad said. “Bowling a Test match length isn’t difficult for them — and it’s still a really tough length to hit consistently.”
Eyes on Kolkata
Having played five of their seven matches in Ahmedabad, South Africa now turn their attention to Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, where they will face New Zealand for a place in the final.
The venue holds fond memories for Conrad, who began his tenure there last November with a landmark Test victory.
“We’re looking forward to getting to Kolkata,” he said. “Our tour started really well there. We’re hoping to get some good memories again.”
Unbeaten, united and unafraid of expectation, South Africa now stand two wins away from adding another world title to their growing résumé.