Published: Mar 05, 2017, 02:52 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 05, 2017, 02:52 PM (IST)
Johannesburg: Insisting that South Africa have come a long way from their 2015 World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand, captain AB de Villiers has exuded confidence on his team, saying they are ready for the Champions Trophy. South Africa yesterday defeated the Black Caps in the final of the five-match series at Eden Park, Auckland, thus winning the ODI series 3-2. The star batsman admitted that there was fair amount of emotion attached to the win in the decider which took place at the venue of their World Cup debacle in 2015. Full Cricket Scorecard, New Zealand vs South Africa, 5th ODI at Auckland
“There’s a bit of emotion in us winning the series, especially chasing under pressure. We’ll enjoy the victory. It doesn’t make it right after we lost the semi-final. That will never change,” Sport24 quoted de Villiers as saying. “I felt ready [for the Champions Trophy] before this tour but this was a really good test for us. I truly believe we are ready,” he added.
He, however, said it would be silly for him to say that they are going to win the Champions Trophy even though he believes that in his heart. “It will be silly for me to say yes we are going to win it even though I believe that in my heart, but no one is going to make silly statements like that. We are going there to win and I think we are ready, so if all things go well I think we will be there at the end of the tournament,” he said.
South Africa have been grouped alongside India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Group B of the Champions Trophy, with their first game against Sri Lanka set to take place at The Oval on June 3.
