Marco Jansen and the Proteas celebrate after picking up a wicket during the T20 World Cup semi-final against Afghanistan (Robert Cianfrone/Getty Images)
- SABC has signed a deal with SuperSport to broadcast the T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados on Saturday.
- The Proteas are the favourites to win and are aiming to defeat world number one India and claim their first World Cup title.
- The SABC will also broadcast two test matches between the Springboks and Ireland next month.
- Please see below for details. 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.
The agreement ends the previous blackout and will allow more South Africans to witness the Proteas make World Cup history at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The Proteas are on a seven-game winning streak in the tournament and will face India, who lost again, for the T20 World Cup title. This will be the first time the Proteas have a shot at winning the title since 1998, when Hansie Cronje’s team beat Brian Lara’s West Indies in the inaugural Champions Trophy in Bangladesh.
Read | Captain Markram and Proteas stare at T20 World Cup final fate: ‘It’s a new game of cricket’
It was also revealed that the SABC will postpone and broadcast the Springboks’ two upcoming test matches, with the World Cup champions taking on Ireland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 6 July, before facing them at Kings Park on Saturday, 13 July.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the SABC,” SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramova said.
“Today’s men’s cricket final against India will be followed in July by the two-time Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, who play two home Tests against Europe’s top team, Ireland.”
Read | Proteas feel “extreme hunger” for World Cup glory as they await their clash with India
SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli confirmed that the two Test matches between the Springboks and Ireland would be broadcast on a delayed basis at 8.30pm.
“The SABC plays a vital role in inspiring and fostering national pride and patriotism among the SABC’s citizens and this agreement is one of many initiatives the organisation has worked hard to ensure that citizens are able to take part in a key historic moment for the country,” Chabeli said.
“We are thrilled that spectators will be able to experience some memorable moments from the Proteas at the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup Final.
“We are also pleased to have secured a deal for two Springbok test matches, which demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and catering for the needs of our diverse audiences.”
SABC’s coverage of the T20 World Cup final will begin at 15:30 on SABC 2, with the match scheduled for 16:30 (South African 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).