ODI World Cup 2027: Rabada ready to defend fortress on home soil

The much-anticipated ICC ODI World Cup 2027 will be jointly hosted with eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and one in Namibia. This marks the first ODI World Cup to be held in Africa since 2003, when South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya co-hosted the event. The 14-team competition format will see nations compete for the sport's premier one-day international title.

With the team now consistently competing deep into major tournaments, expectations have naturally increased. However, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada feels playing a home World Cup should not be viewed as an additional burden. Instead, the fast bowler believes it can give South Africa a sense of freedom and responsibility to protect their home turf.

“Well, I think there's a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it,” Rabada told the ICC at the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg recently.

“It’s almost like freedom as well. I don't feel the pressure of us playing at home and feeling the need to win it. It’s almost like, we're at home and we're going to defend this fortress. And that's what it means to me. It's about representing the badge.”

The South African quick picked Pakistan legend Wasim Akram’s match-winning spell in the 1992 World Cup final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground as one of the moments that has inspired him the most.

Akram produced a sensational spell in the final, dismissing Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in successive deliveries before Pakistan went on to secure their maiden World Cup title. Rabada, himself a fast bowler, remains particularly inspired by the presence and intensity shown by the legendary left-armer on the biggest stage.

“One World Cup moment from the past that I'll never forget, because I'm a bowler, I'm going to go to the bowlers' club was Wasim Akram against England in the final. Him just cleaning up (the stumps) and putting on a show to take it home for his country and showing the passion and the skill," Rabada continued.

South Africa's recent performances have also strengthened Rabada's belief that the Proteas have what it takes to go all the way in a major ICC tournament.

“We've shown that we can go and play in finals and in the semi-finals. It’s just about that last step. So the confidence is there. The belief is most definitely there, just about going that one extra step,” Rabada concluded.