The Proteas are ready to get their 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign underway on Saturday when they face Sri Lanka in Delhi, India.

The Proteas go into the tournament with some confidence following series wins over England and Australia this year, while the team in general has an a lot more positive mindset.

While the Proteas were only able to play in one of their two scheduled warm-up games, the captain Temba Bavuma, said they are fresh and ready for the challenge.

“I think we're satisfied with our preparation,” said Bavuma.

“Yes, we didn't get the opportunity to play both of the warm-up games, obviously because of the weather, but I think from a freshness point of view within the guys, I think that's a positive that we can take.

“I think we've had good training sessions including the one we had yesterday and there's an optional one today.

“We've played at this ground before so we kind of know what to expect, so I think from a prep point of view we are satisfied and I guess as ready as we can be for the game tomorrow.”

The Proteas have a history of starting well at World Cups, both in the 50-over and 20-over formats, only to choke in the high-pressure games.

The chokers tag has been around since the Proteas return to international cricket more than a decade ago and only World Cup title won to date is an under-19 World Cup.

Bavuma said there is pressure on them and there are high expectations of the team, but they are not the only team in that position.

“I think most guys will tell you that they try to block it out. I think it's probably impossible to block out that noise if I could say. That expectation, that pressure, I think will always be there. It will obviously be heightened when it comes to a World Cup type of event.

“I think I took a bit of comfort at the captain's dinner when I heard the other captains speak about pressure and kind of hearing and understanding that the emotions and the effect is all the same for all of us.

So, I think the biggest thing, at least for myself, is to accept that it is what it is. As a South African team, we know we're going to have that chip on our block, or that narrative that we have to get over. And I mean, that's always going to be there until we win silverware. Or we win a trophy.

“So, I mean we understand that as a team. We're not oblivious to all of that. But I think our biggest way of dealing with that is to be fully focused on, obsessed with each other, in ourselves, and how we want to go about doing our work on the field. 

“We understand that it's going to be a process. It's a process of nine games getting through those group stages, getting into the playoffs and there's almost a belief that once we get into the playoffs anything can happen and things can really go in our favour.

“But look, that pressure, that expectation, that's always going to be there for us as a team, for any Proteas cricket team. That's something you just have to deal with, I guess however, where you are.”

Saturday’s game between South Africa and Sri Lanka gets underway at 10:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport