Former England batter Kevin Pietersen is backing his country of birth to be a contender for the World Cup in India following the 3-2 victory against Australia. However, KP still believes hosts India are the hot favourite to win the tournament.
What did Kevin Pietersen say?
While South Africa has been very dominant at home in ODIs, losing only a solitary series against Bangladesh, since 2021, this performance will come as a major boost ahead of the World Cup where the Africans have historically underperformed.
The much-maligned right-hander was very impressed with the Proteas’ performance against a very strong Australia side. KP was particularly swayed by 32-year-old Heinrich Klassen, whose blistering 174 off 83 balls lit up centurion.
“South Africa become contenders for the CWC after their win against Aus. Klaasen is the major asset. India favourites at home with Asia Cup win. Pakistan is always a threat. ALWAYS! England sitting just under India, in terms of favourites tag. And Australia, well they’ll be there and thereabouts,” Pietersen predicted on ‘X’.
South Africa become contenders for the CWC after their win against Aus. Klaasen is the major asset.
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) September 18, 2023
India favourites at home with Asia Cup win.
Pakistan is always a threat. ALWAYS!
England sitting just under India, in terms of favourites tag.
And Australia, well they’ll be…
South Africa’s World Cup chances
After going through a transitional period, the Proteas seem to have recovered very well. They have a settled squad with the form of Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram being particular plus points.
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Klassen and Miller can wreak havoc at the death like they did against Australia. Marco Jansen has emerged as an ace allrounder and they boast a fearsome bowling line-up with a great mix of express pace and mystery spin led by Rabada and Shamsi.
It isn’t a stretch to claim the Proteas as a contender.
