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AB gunning for glory

Image: AB de Villiers: Focused on helping South Africa to victory in Sri Lanka

AB de Villiers admits South Africa have choked in the past but insists they can win their first major title in the World Twenty20.

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Proteas skipper insists side can handle World Twenty20 pressure

AB de Villiers admits South Africa have choked in the past but insists the Proteas can win their first major title in the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. The Proteas have developed a reputation as chokers after suffering a number of dramatic collapses in tournaments since their return from isolation in 1991. But De Villiers insists his team can handled the pressure this time around as they prepare to take on Zimbabwe on Thursday in their opening game of the tournament. He said: "I am going to be very honest with you, and I am going to put it up straight up front - we have choked in the past and we know about it.

Bad experiences

"We have had some really bad experiences in the past. But I emphasise the word 'past'. We have come with a new look in this team and we have worked hard with our new management team that has given us a lot of energy and new ideas. "So we will approach this tournament differently and we like to win in pressure situations and we are going to do exactly that. We are prepared and excited to take the field. "There are a lot of favourites, a lot of good teams and plenty of talent around. "When the game is up for the taking, it's up to the 11 guys there to take it away from the opposition. To handle pressure will be important."

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