Exclusive: Carlos Brathwaite backs South Africa to reach 2023 World Cup semi-finals on First Sports

In an exclusive conversation with Rupha Ramani on the latest episode of First Sports, Firstpost’s brand new show on all things sport, West Indian cricketer Carlos Brathwaite backed South Africa to reach the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Cup that is currently taking place in India.

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South Africa had endured one of their most disappointing campaigns in the 2019 edition of the showpiece event in England, finishing seventh in a 10-team table with just three wins in nine outings. This time around, however, the Temba Bavuma-led side enter the tournament as one of the dark horses that could go further than expected. This especially after their heroic ODI 3-2 series win over Australia at home from 0-2 down.

In the Mic Up segment of the latest episode, Brathwaite named hosts India, defending champions England and five-time winners Australia as the other teams expected to qualify for the semis, and expected a shootout between South Africa and Pakistan for the fourth spot.

“I think India at home are always difficult. England still my favourites. I think they have revolutionised the 50-over game and now teams are starting to catch up. But they are the pioneers of how the game is now being played. Australia is always a threat in World Cups. And my head says Pakistan, they’re good enough. But the heart says South Africa,” said the former West Indies T20I captain.

“My two keys to success in this World Cup will be ability to score 330 consistently which I think South Africa can do, but also take 10 wickets. I think if they continue with what has been a conservative approach in the past, it won’t do them well on small grounds and good wickets.

“Not only because he’s my friend, but I think playing Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi is going to be quite important for them to get 10 wickets consistently. And if they do that, I’ll have them as my fourth team to make the semis,” added Brathwaite.

The 35-year-old all-rounder, who famously hit Ben Stokes for four consecutive sixes to help West Indies defeat England in the 2016 World T20 final, also heaped praise on England captain Jos Buttler.

“To England, I think Buttler is mighty important. You just look at the head of the snake, you look at the leader. One parallel, and it’s going to be unfair to him taking over from Eoin Morgan, because he will always be compared to Eoin Morgan and the success that he’s had as a captain.

“But I’ve played under Buttler, and I’ve had the privilege of… and one of the things that I’ve realised playing under him, from listening to guys talk about Eoin Morgan, is that unflappable nature. He never looks flustered, never looks as though the game is gone,” added the Barbadian.

Watch the full episode here: