As the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai gears up to host its inaugural match of the tournament this Saturday, South African cricketer Bavuma is brimming with anticipation to play at the home ground of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar.
Bavuma’s Childhood Dream Comes True
Bavuma, who idolized Tendulkar during his formative years, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to play at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, a venue he had always heard about while growing up. This, he said, is a significant milestone in his cricketing career.
Wankhede: A Batsman’s Paradise
According to Bavuma, fellow cricketers JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock, who have previously played at Wankhede, have described the stadium as a batsman’s paradise. The ground offers excellent value for shots, and the ball seems to travel further, which can significantly boost a batter’s confidence. Moreover, the electrifying atmosphere of a packed stadium adds to the overall experience.
South Africa and England: The Clash of the Titans
Both South Africa and England are looking to make a strong comeback following their respective defeats in the previous matches. Bavuma believes that the upcoming match between the two heavyweights at a high-scoring venue like Wankhede is an exciting prospect.
He further added that if he were a cricket fan, he would definitely not want to miss the South Africa versus England match. He expects it to be a closely contested game with players from both teams eager to make a mark.
Double Delight: Cricket and Rugby World Cup Clashes
In an interesting coincidence, South Africa and England are also set to face each other in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in Paris on the same day. Bavuma revealed that the South African cricket and rugby teams have been in touch, extending mutual support ahead of their respective matches.
Playing for the Nation
Bavuma emphasized the responsibility of the players to entertain their fans and bring joy to their countrymen. With the cricket match scheduled before the rugby game, Bavuma feels the onus is on the cricket team to set the tone for the day. He also mentioned that the rugby team sent a message of encouragement to the cricket team, further boosting their morale.