South Africa has 11 match-winners for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Dale Steyn

South Africa have endured plenty of heartbreak when it comes to the ICC Cricket World Cup. In 1992, they were denied by the strange rain-rule while in 1996, a dodgy team selection resulted in their elimination. In 1999, a tie against Australia in the semi-final eliminated them while in 2003, a misinterpretation of the Duckworth-Lewis method dumped them out of the World Cup. IN 2007 and 2011, they choked in the knock-outs while in 2015, they were defeated by an inspired New Zealand side. Heading into the 2019 World Cup in England, South Africa are once again the favorites and Dale Steyn has said the team has the capability to go the distance in this competition.

“We are led by Faf, who has been in fantastic form lately. And in the IPL, Imran Tahir has been right up there in terms of wickets. From Quinton de Kock all the way down to No. 11, they're all match-winners. We just need to go there and hope a bit of luck - weather, a missed no-ball - goes your way, and you could win the tournament. You look at KG (Rabada), he's been bowling exceptionally well. Kagiso is a wunderkind. Just hope he continues that kind of form. He's come on to the scene in international cricket and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. We've seen players come in, show signs of extreme excellence and then fade away, but KG is someone we can get used to,” Steyn said during a media interaction.

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Steyn, who recently became the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests, has said there are no clear favorites in the World Cup and that rankings will not matter. However, he did say that since the World Cup is being played in England, the hosts have an edge.

“I think you really need to take rankings and throw it out of the window. Rankings these days don't mean anything. I don't even know what ranking West Indies have, and they just beat England. Australia was losing, and then they've started winning again. I think every team going to the World Cup has a massive chance. England are playing in England, and they're playing good some white-ball cricket,” Steyn said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The South Africa World Cup squad will be decided on Wednesday.
• South Africa has never won the ICC Cricket World Cup.
• South Africa and England will play the opening game of the 2019 World Cup.