SA focused on World Cup glory, not just Barbados redemption – Markram

SA focused on World Cup glory, not just Barbados redemption – Markram

South Africa's last World Cup ended in heartbreak, losing the final to India in the West Indies from a winning position. While determined to correct that 2024 debacle in the upcoming tournament, captain Aiden Markram says redemption is not their sole motivation.

"Obviously we are motivated to win, especially after 2024. But that is not the sole reason for our motivation," Markram said at the captains' event in Mumbai. "The previous World Cup has already passed. We have played a lot of cricket since. Every captain sitting here wants to lift the trophy."

He emphasized the need to focus on the group stage first. "We have to earn our right in the group stage. It is a competition where any team can beat any team. It takes one or two special performances to break a game open."

South Africa does not face India in the group stage. "We don't have India in the group stage now. For now, we've got to focus on our group, making sure we have a good four games and earn the right to progress."

South Africa is in Group D with New Zealand, Afghanistan, Canada, and the UAE.

Reflecting on recent near-misses, including the women's team losing last year's final to India in Mumbai, Markram joked about what's needed: "To score one extra run, I guess."

"There have been good signs from both teams. To not quite get over the line is frustrating, but you take the positives. We will take what has worked. We are in different conditions now. If we get into a position, we will give it an absolute crack."