08 January,2026 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Keshav Maharaj (Pic: X/@ICC)
Pretoria Capitals captain Keshav Maharaj has opened up about his approach for the T20 World Cup 2026. He will be leading South Africa's spin attack in the global showpiece.
Recently, his team defeated Durban's Super Giants in the ongoing SA20 tournament.
Speaking about the tournament, he said that it is a wonderful opportunity to get match practice ahead of the marquee tournament.
"Not to think too far ahead, but it's a wonderful opportunity for us to get match practice under our belt. We've only played one series in India now. So, it's a wonderful opportunity building up towards that," Maharaj stated.
When asked about the nature of the shortest format of the game, the spinner believes in trusting the process and working hard.
"Look at T20 cricket, sometimes you go for runs, sometimes you pick up wickets, sometimes you are economical. You keep trusting your processes and keep working hard. Sometimes the wheel does turn, sometimes it doesn't. Unfortunately, that is life, but I was always in a positive frame of mind," said the 35-year-old cricketer.
In the SA20 match against Durban's Super Giants, Pretoria Capitals notched up 201/4 in 20 overs after batting first. Opener Shai Hope slammed 118 runs off 69 deliveries, along with nine fours and as many sixes. With the ball, Kwena Maphaka, David Wiese, and Gerald Coetzee took one wicket apiece for Durban Super Giants.
In response, Jos Buttler's unbeaten 97-run knock went in vain as Durban Super Giants were bundled out for 186 runs in 19.4 overs, losing the contest by 15 runs.
Lungi Ngidi and Gideon Peters took three wickets each for the Capitals.
The T20 World Cup 2026 will kick off from Februray 7, with the opening clash scheduled to be played between Pakistan and the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Sri Lanka.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa have been placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Canada, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.
They will begin their campaign against Canada on February 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Proteas will play their last group stage match against the United Arab Emirates on February 18 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
(With ANI inputs)
