IND vs SA: Ricky Ponting advises South Africa ahead of T20 World Cup final

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting had advised South Africa to handle the pressure of the big game when they play India in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 29 in Barbados.

This is the first time South Africa have reached the final of a World Cup after eight attempts in the semi-finals. The last time they played and lost a semi-final was against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023.

Ponting, who led Australia o two World Cup titles (2003 and 2007) and two Champions Trophies (2006 and 2007), wants South Africa to embrace the intensity of the game.

"A lot of teams say 'It's just another game' and they try and hide away from how big the occasion is and it is no good doing that. it is all about embracing it for what it is," Ponting stated on ICC’s Digital Daily Show. 

"These players haven't been there before, so enjoy tonight, enjoy tomorrow. But make sure everything you do leading in is the same and your preparation is the same,” he added. 

Ponting believes that the team has been phenomenal in the T20 World Cup 2024 as the Aiden Markram led team has been undefeated so far and for the final, they just require to be themselves. 

"They are undefeated up to here, so they don't need to change anything and they don't need to try any harder. They just need to turn up and be the best version of themselves and the best version of themselves as a team on the day and give themselves the best chance,” he added. 

Ponting concluded with, “If they do that, they will be hard to beat."

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