Batsman Rassie van der Dussen is confident that the Proteas can make good use of not being among the favourites to win the title to their advantage during the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdom.

Van der Dussen struck a fluid 40 in Friday’s 87-run win over Sri Lanka in Friday’s warm-up fixture at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales. He will likely play in Sunday’s second warm-up against the West Indies in Bristol – and Thursday’s tournament opener versus England at The Oval in London.

‘We’re not favourites in this tournament, which is probably the first time in a while that we don’t enter as out-and-out favourites, but we are going to look to use that to our advantage, and I think we have a really strong chance,’ said Van der Dussen.

The talented right-hander has averaged more than 80 in eight ODI innings since debuting against Pakistan earlier this year – and has kept several other batsmen with more experience out of the Proteas’ World Cup squad.

‘You see it as a possibility, it’s always been a dream and goal to represent my country, let alone in a World Cup. I’m really honoured to be here and looking forward to it to start. This is the biggest stage in the world, and that’s where you want to perform. I’ve played a few games for South Africa now, and the last two years have been good for me form-wise,’ he added.

‘My basic concept was to take it a game at a time and be at your best every moment and every ball. I’m going to try and keep that going, and whether the stage is big or not, the fundamentals of the game stay the same.’

Photo: Gallo Images