South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is currently on a break from cricket as he prepares for the busy schedule ahead. South Africa is set to face Australia in a white-ball series starting from August 30. After that, they will participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to begin in India on October 5.
Rabada believes that South Africa has an advantage heading into the World Cup because many Proteas players have gained experience playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Players like David Miller, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, and Tristan Stubbs have been part of IPL teams. Rabada himself has played 69 IPL matches, taking 106 wickets at an average of 20.74 and an economy rate of 8.42.
He holds the record for being the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in the IPL, achieving this milestone in just 64 matches. In the IPL 2023 season, he managed to take seven wickets in six matches for the Punjab Kings, although his team did not qualify for the playoffs.
Also read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Schedule to Be Released on This Date
Rabada had a somewhat underwhelming performance in the 2019 ODI World Cup, picking 11 wickets in nine matches at an average of 36.09. South Africa’s campaign in the tournament ended in the league stage.
Historically, South Africa has struggled in ODI World Cups, never making it to the final since their first appearance in 1992. They suffered four consecutive knockout defeats before finally winning against Sri Lanka in the 2015 edition. However, they were defeated by New Zealand in the semi-final and exited the tournament.