T20 World Cup: South Africa Coach Conrad Deflects ‘Chokers’ Label with ‘Cupcake’ Retort Amid Unbeaten Run
NEW DELHI – The South African national cricket team has extended its unbeaten streak in the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following a decisive 5-wicket victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday and a commanding 76-run triumph over India earlier in the tournament, the Proteas are positioning themselves as title contenders. The current run marks a significant psychological shift for a squad historically burdened by the “chokers” tag.
Redefining the Narrative
South Africa’s history in ICC events has often been defined by near-misses, dating back to the 1999 World Cup semi-final against Australia. Most recently, the team suffered a heartbreaking loss to India in the final of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. However, the current squad has displayed resilience, notably surviving a double Super Over thriller against Afghanistan and dominating the group stages.
When questioned about the pressure of the knockout stages and the resurfacing of the “chokers” label, head coach Shukri Conrad offered a candid response, referencing a recent fan interaction.
“There is always pressure. It is about what you do with that pressure and how you shift it,” Conrad stated during a press briefing. “As for the C-word [chokers], I think there is another one for that—’cupcakes.’ I am sure we kind of enjoyed that.”
The ‘Cupcake’ Context
The reference stems from a television advertisement aired prior to the India versus South Africa Super Eight fixture. The commercial featured an Indian supporter teasing a South African fan with a cupcake while suggesting history would repeat itself, alluding to the 2024 final loss. The Proteas’ subsequent 76-run victory in Ahmedabad effectively neutralized the taunt.
South Africa: Recent Match Form
| Opponent | Result | Key Performance Note |
|---|---|---|
| India | Won by 76 runs | Dominant bowling display in Ahmedabad |
| Afghanistan | Won (Double Super Over) | High-pressure resilience |
| Zimbabwe | Won by 5 wickets | Clinical chase on Sunday |
Embracing the Favorites Tag
With an unblemished record in the tournament, South Africa approaches the semi-final against New Zealand as favorites. Conrad insists the team’s preparation remains consistent regardless of external expectations.
“We are going to prepare exactly the same way for New Zealand. Whether we start as favorites? Probably, because we are the only unbeaten side in the competition. But I do not know if that adds to the pressure,” Conrad explained. “The semi-final is pressure enough. Playing a tough side in New Zealand is pressure enough. So there is no added pressure.”
The coach emphasized that being viewed as favorites is a position the team should welcome rather than fear.
“I am glad that we are favorites because I always felt that as a South African team you want to be able to play as a favorite. It is easy being an underdog; the expectation isn’t that much. But if we can continue doing what we are doing, then we need a little bit of luck along the way as well,” Conrad added.
South Africa next faces New Zealand on Wednesday, aiming to secure a spot in the final.