Marco Jansen and the Proteas celebrate a wicket in their T20 World Cup semifinal against Afghanistan (Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
- The SABC made a deal with SuperSport to broadcast Saturday’s T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados.
- The Proteas vie for their maiden World Cup title as they look to defeat favourites and world No 1 India.
- The SABC will also broadcast the Springboks’ two Tests against Ireland next month.
- For more, please visit News24 Sport’s T20 World Cup zone.
The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has successfully negotiated a deal with SuperSport to broadcast the highly anticipated T20 World Cup final between the Proteas and India.
This agreement marks the end of a previous blackout, as more South Africans can witness the Proteas potentially make World Cup history at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The Proteas are on a seven-match winning streak in the tournament as they face another beaten side, India for the coveted T20 World Cup title. This will be the first time the Proteas will be in a title-winning position since the inaugural Champions Trophy in Bangladesh in 1998 when a Hansie Cronje-led side defeated Brian Lara’s West Indies team.
READ | Skipper Markram, Proteas stare T20 World Cup final destiny in the eye: ‘It’s a new game of cricket’
It was also revealed that the SABC will broadcast the Springboks’ two upcoming Test matches on a delayed basis. The World Cup champions take on Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 6 July and then at Kings Park on Saturday, 13 July.
“We are pleased that an agreement has been reached with the SABC,” said SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.
“The men’s national cricket team final against India today will be followed in July with the double defending Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, taking on Europe’s top side, Ireland, in two home Tests.”
READ | Proteas ‘have extreme hunger’ for World Cup glory as Indian battle awaits
SABC GCEO Nomsa Chabeli confirmed that the two Springbok Tests against the Irish will be a delayed broadcast at 20:30.
“The SABC has a pivotal role to inspire and build national pride and patriotism among citizens, and this agreement is one of the many initiatives that the organisation has been working hard on to ensure that citizens participate in major historic country moments,” said Chabeli.
“We are thrilled that our audiences will be part of the Proteas’ momentous occasion during the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup final match.
“We are also excited that we have also clinched a deal for two Springbok Test matches … and this is testament to our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that our diverse audiences’ needs are catered for.”
The SABC’s broadcast of the T20 World Cup final will start at 15:30 on SABC 2, with play scheduled for 16:30 (SA time).
SuperSport will also broadcast the T20 World Cup final live on SS Grandstand (DStv channel 201), SuperSport Cricket (DStv channel 212), and SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv channel 209).