Lungi Ngidi ready to fire at T20 World Cup for Proteas
Lungi Ngidi, a key Proteas fast bowler, is gearing up for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka after a strong performance in the T20I series against India and a notable contribution in the SA20, where he has bowled the most dot balls so far. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
With the SA20 in its final week, the focus will quickly shift to the T20 World Cup, and Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will have one eye on producing the goods once more for South Africa.
Ngidi will be in action for Pretoria Capitals (PC) in the SA20 qualifier one against Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) at Kingsmead on Wednesday, and could potentially play two more matches (qualifier two and final) in the competition before the preparation for the World Cup begins in earnest.
The 29-year-old hasn’t been prolific this season for PC in terms of strikes with seven wickets in 10 matches, but has bowled the most dot balls in the competition with his tally of 93 from 33 overs bowled.
The powerfully built Ngidi was also the Proteas’ most successful bowler in their T20I series against India last month with six wickets in four matches at an economy rate of under eight.
Ngidi’s Consistent Performance and Excitement for the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka
Asked how his approach may have changed, Ngidi told SportsBoom.co.za: "To be honest, I'm doing what I've always done. I think the only difference is what people choose to say at the time about how I'm bowling.
"But my entire career, I've been taking wickets, so I don't see anything different that I've been doing.”
With the World Cup taking place in India and Sri Lanka, Ngidi’s performance will once again be key.
"Yes, it was a good tour. Obviously, the role that I played was very clear, so that has just helped me in terms of executing the deliveries I want to bowl.
"Playing in a World Cup is always exciting. That's an opportunity everyone wishes for, so I'm obviously really looking forward to that.
"But I've played a lot of cricket over the years, so keeping my emotions in check is getting a lot easier, so I'm not too worried about that. But it's always an exciting opportunity to be able to bring that trophy back to South Africa."