Temba Bavuma has promised a fiery opening to the Super 12s as South Africa and Australia prepare to kick-start Group 1 at the ICC Men’s T20...
Temba Bavuma has promised a fiery opening to the Super 12s as South Africa and Australia prepare to kick-start Group 1 at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
The two rivals face off in Abu Dhabi and arrive at the tournament in contrasting form, with South Africa winning their last three series and Australia losing their last five. Australia have enjoyed the upper hand in recent years though, winning six of their last seven T20 matches with the Proteas, and both sides know the importance of a fast start.
With West Indies and England also in Group 1 and only two teams advancing to the semi-finals, it is imperative to start well and Bavuma admits there will be nerves.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Complete schedule for the Super 12 stage
“I must be honest, there is a bit of anxiety amongst the guys, there is a bit of butterflies, and I think that’s something that’s expected,” he said. “In terms of coming up against Australia, there’s no bigger motivation for the guys. Matches or clashes against Australia have always been full of fire, and we don’t expect it to be anything different tomorrow.
“Tomorrow being an opener for us, it’s obviously a big game. We want...