Rassie van der Dussen Unfazed as South Africa Prepares for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final

South Africa’s Confidence Soars After Victory Over England

South African cricketer Rassie van der Dussen brushed aside concerns over pressure and fatigue as the Proteas gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. Following their emphatic win against England, South Africa remains focused despite travel uncertainties and the weight of history.

No Pressure Over South Africa’s ICC Trophy Drought

Addressing the media after the match, van der Dussen dismissed the idea that South Africa’s long wait for an ICC trophy adds extra pressure.

“At the end of the day, if we win, it’s the first ICC trophy in a while. If we don’t win, it’s just the same as last year and the year before that. So, no real pressure there,” he stated.

The Proteas have faced heartbreak in past ICC tournaments, but van der Dussen insisted that their mindset remains unchanged. He emphasized that the team’s focus is solely on playing good cricket rather than dwelling on past failures.

Travel Uncertainty Ahead of the Semi-Final

While South Africa is scheduled to travel to Dubai, their semi-final venue remains unclear. Depending on match results, they could either stay in Dubai to face India or return to Lahore to play against Australia.

Van der Dussen, however, remained unfazed by these logistical uncertainties.

“It is what it is. Physically, it’s not that long a flight. It would be nice to just sit in one hotel the whole time like some teams, but that’s not the reality for everyone,” he said.

Instead of letting travel disruptions affect their performance, the team aims to stay mentally refreshed and ready to take on any opponent.

India’s Home Advantage in Dubai

If South Africa faces India in Dubai, van der Dussen acknowledged that the Indian team would have a clear advantage, having played all their Champions Trophy matches there.

“Definitely. It’s definitely an advantage. They’ve been in one hotel, one ground, one training facility. But we don’t spend too much mental energy on that. It is what it is. The challenge for them will be to use that advantage. For us, if we do play against them, to an extent, that advantage doesn’t matter,” he explained.

South Africa Rejects the “Chokers” Tag

South Africa has often been labeled as “chokers” in high-stakes tournaments, but van der Dussen dismissed the narrative.

“As a team, that doesn’t define us. That’s in the past. Some teams lose and nobody calls them chokers. When we lose, they call us chokers. I don’t know why the difference is,” he said.

The Proteas are determined to change their legacy and prove that they can handle pressure on the biggest stage.

Experience in Pakistan A Key Advantage

Reflecting on South Africa’s strong performance in the Champions Trophy, van der Dussen credited the team’s familiarity with conditions in Pakistan. He and David Miller, who have both played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and a tri-series leading up to the tournament, shared valuable insights with the squad.

“From a batting point of view, there are a few technical adjustments you make. In South Africa, there’s a lot of bounce, so just a few changes in your batting blueprint. We definitely communicated that,” he explained.

Adapting to Dubai’s Conditions

Looking ahead to a potential match in Dubai, van der Dussen noted key differences in pitch conditions compared to Karachi.

“In Dubai, normally the bowlers are into it a bit more. There’s a bit more seam movement and some spin. Outfields are not as quick as here, so it’s generally a bit of a lower-scoring ground,” he said.

Despite these differences, he expressed confidence in the team’s adaptability, emphasizing that they are prepared for any challenge.

South Africa Eyes ICC Champions Trophy Glory

With the semi-finals approaching, South Africa remains focused on their ultimate goal—winning their first ICC trophy. The Proteas are determined to overcome past disappointments, navigate travel uncertainties, and deliver a strong performance when it matters most.

Cricket fans now eagerly await South Africa’s next challenge, as they seek to rewrite history and finally lift an ICC trophy.