Kallis eyes sweet end to his career

DUBAI: After a match-winning performance in the final One-Day International (ODI) against Pakistan, South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis has vowed to finish his career on a high note as he eyes the World Cup next year.

The 35-year-old, who hit a solid 83 before taking three wickets helping his side seal the series 3-2, has featured in three of the five World Cups South Africa have played but are yet to lift the title.

“Performing for South Africa is always special for me right from the time I made my debut to my last match,” said Kallis. “I’ve worked hard physically and mentally going for the World Cup which might be my last one so I want to give everything I have. And as long as I keep contributing and help the youngsters as well, I’ll be pleased.”

A veteran of 302 ODIs, Kallis achieved a personal milestone in the final ODI by becoming the first South African and the sixth batsman overall to reach 11,000 runs in the format. The right-hander has hit 17 hundreds and 80 half-centuries while also claiming 259 wickets.

With the World Cup just over three months away, Kallis reminded his teammates to enjoy the tournament, something they have not done before.

“We have to take it game by game and enjoy. The message that I can give to the team is to really enjoy the World Cup.”

South Africa are yet to win any major event except the 1998 Champions Trophy and Kallis is aware of the need for his side to pass the finish line after faring well in the initial stages of the tournaments. “We haven’t had the success that a lot of us would have liked. But I really believe that this team’s got something special going at the moment.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2010.