South Africa will co-host the 14th edition of the 50-over World Cup with Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2027, with expectations high following the team\u2019s impressive performances across formats in recent years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Proteas secured their maiden ICC World Test Championship title in 2025 after defeating Australia at Lord\u2019s, while they have also shown consistency in the limited-overs formats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Rabada does not believe those achievements, combined with the pressure of playing in front of home supporters, will weigh heavily on the team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWell, I think there\u2019s a lot more to it at the moment with us hosting it. It\u2019s almost like freedom as well. I don\u2019t feel the pressure of us playing at home and feeling the need to win it,\u201d Rabada told the ICC at the official Cricket World Cup 2027 venue and brand announcement event in Johannesburg.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s almost like, we\u2019re at home, and we\u2019re going to defend this fortress. And that\u2019s what it means to me. It\u2019s about representing the badge,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rabada, who featured in South Africa\u2019s 2019 and 2023 World Cup campaigns, is also drawing inspiration from one of cricket\u2019s most iconic moments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fast bowler recalled Pakistan great Wasim Akram\u2019s match-winning spell in the 1992 World Cup final against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the left-armer produced a decisive burst to help Pakistan secure their maiden World Cup title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOne World Cup moment from the past that I\u2019ll never forget, because I\u2019m a bowler, I\u2019m going to go to the bowlers\u2019 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. He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him that he was there to play,\u201d Rabada said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 31-year-old believes South Africa\u2019s recent success has also strengthened the team\u2019s belief that it can handle the pressure of major knockout matches.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOne World Cup moment from the past that I\u2019ll never forget, because I\u2019m a bowler, I\u2019m going to go to the bowlers\u2019 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. He was fast, had so much skill, and just had this presence, this heightened energy about him that he was there to play,\u201d Rabada said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa have reached the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup on four occasions but are yet to win the title. With the 2027 tournament taking place in their own backyard, the Proteas will look to complete the final step and lift the trophy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n