Feel Very Sad and Emotional that I’m Going to Leave: Imran Tahir

South Africa's Imran Tahir is readying himself for an emotional farewell to one-day international cricket, although the veteran is upbeat about the Proteas future.
Feel Very Sad and Emotional that I’m Going to Leave: Imran Tahir

Saturday's World Cup match against ruling heroes Australia is set to be Tahir's 107th and last ODI before the leg-spinner retires from the 50-over game at international level.

Born in Pakistan but married to a South African, the much-voyaged Tahir made his ODI debut in February 2011, only a month prior to his 32nd birthday.

Be that as it may, the 40-year-old has still taken 172 ODI wickets heading into this current end of the week's match in Manchester.

This has been a disappointing World Cup for South Africa, with only two successes from eight matches up until now and the Proteas have for quite some time been out of the race for semi-last capability.

"As a team, we need to think about finishing on a good note," he said. "But it makes me feel very sad and emotional that I'm going to leave.

"It was always my dream to play international cricket and I'm really grateful to everyone who helped me along on the way. They accepted me for who I was, the guy who came from overseas.

"It's a pivotal turning point of my life – I constantly needed to play cricket and play as long as I could and now is the opportune time to go. 

"It will be a significant harmful and tragic minute for me yet I've set myself up for that, so ideally it will go well for me and the group." 

– 'Not worried about the future' – 

Tahir added: "I'm not worried about (the) future of the team – there are a lot of youngsters.

"I strongly believe there is lots of talent but they just need experience and then they'll get to the stage where everyone wants to see South African cricket.

"Individuals anticipate higher and a great deal from us – this World Cup was very surprising however I'm almost certain things will be fine for South Africa."

Saturday's match is set to be the first run through Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner have confronted South Africa since they were engaged with a ball-altering embarrassment during a Test in Cape Town a year ago that saw both senior batsmen given year bans.

Be that as it may, Tahir, while certain the Proteas would not start any 'sledging' with respect to Smith and Warner, said South Africa would not make a retrogressive stride if there were any 'verbals' from Australia.

"On the off chance that it's originating from them, at that point clearly we won't keep down," he said.

"In any case, I believe it will be a reasonable round of cricket. It's at the back of everybody's brain, except we don't need to consider that. We are anticipating the game."

Saturday's match will, in the event that he takes a wicket, give Tahir one final possibility in a South Africa ODI shirt to exhibit his current trademark festivity that sees him remain with arms up high and after that dash in a huge semi-hover around the infield.

Tahir said he had no additional elements planned for his farewell appearance.

"There won't be anything extra because I don't have a clue what I do when I take wickets, to be honest with you!" explained a smiling Tahir.

"I got to where I am today by coming through really tough times, so that's probably why I want to release whatever is inside me."

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