New Delhi buzzes with cricket anticipation as former South African all-rounder JP Duminy throws his weight behind the Proteas for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup. Speaking exclusively, Duminy asserts that his former team stands a ‘full chance’ of finally clinching the elusive title, one that has dodged them despite years of promise.
South Africa has long been a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket, yet the major trophies remain out of reach. Their heartbreaking runner-up finish to India in the 2024 edition only fueled the fire. ‘We’ve been playing outstanding cricket over the past year, especially in white-ball formats,’ Duminy told media on Thursday. ‘The squad we have now gives us every opportunity to win. The big question has always been when South Africa will crack a white-ball tournament, and I believe this time it’s ours.’
Duminy, who represented South Africa in six T20 World Cups, spotlighted captain Aiden Markram’s red-hot form as a game-changer. Markram’s 309 runs in nine SA20 matches for Durban’s Super Giants underscore his readiness to lead from the front. ‘Player form is crucial, especially the captain’s,’ Duminy emphasized. ‘From a batting perspective, if he fires, the team has a massive shot at success.’
The 2026 T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. South Africa is currently locked in a three-match T20 series against West Indies before heading to India for the big show. Placed in Group D, their campaign launches on February 9 at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium against Canada, followed by clashes with Afghanistan on February 11, New Zealand on the 14th, and UAE on the 18th.
As the Proteas gear up, Duminy’s optimism resonates across the cricketing world. With a balanced side blending experience and youth, South Africa could finally silence the chokers’ tag and etch their name in T20 history.