Imran Tahir is a 40-year-old virgin when it comes to winning World Cup trophies.
But it’s not for a lack of trying. The Proteas leg break bowler has had dates with the global showpiece twice in his career to date - in 2011 and 2015.
And while both those tournaments left him without a proper climax, there is a real sense in South Africa that he can turn the tide for the Proteas at this year’s World Cup in England.
Heading into the tournament, Tahir finished as the leading wicket-taker at this year’s Indian Premier League where he bagged a total of 26 wickets.
And with the wickets in England expected to help spin bowlers as the tournament progresses, Tahir, who will retire from ODI cricket at the end of the tournament, is hopeful that it will be a case of third time lucky for him.
But he says they won’t put too much pressure on themselves, as SA face Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match tomorrow.
Of the upcoming challenge, Tahir explains: “We are really excited about it. What we’ve been doing [up until now] we just need to do that - we’ve been building a good brand of cricket and we’ll be fine.
“It is obviously a dream [of mine] to do well in World Cups, any game playing for South Africa is a great opportunity for all of us.
“All of us want to do well.”
Of what they expect, Tahir adds: “The pitches are generally good for a spinner, but I still think it will be good for batting and as the competition goes it will start spinning.
“It’s going to be a good challenge.”